Currently, outdoor forest and nature preschools in the state of Oregon, like the Wildwood Nature School program that I operate, are unable to qualify for licensure. We operate our programs as “recorded half-day preschool” programs that are exempt from licensing as long as the children are over 3, fully potty-trained and not under our care and supervision for more than 4 hours each day. Although it may sound like a blessing to be exempt from oversight and paperwork, the inabil

Cabin fever grabbed the 3 yr. old boy relentlessly in the winter weather. Grumpiness took over until I offered him a big poster board on the floor and crayons-to-boot, suggesting he use his whole body to get all those tense feelings out. He jumped into the activity like a thirsty horse heading for water. His whole body swiveled and swerved, moving with the action of the crayons. He continued until he was out of breath, then leaned back and looked at his creative expression of

In 1971, architect Simon Nicholson wrote of the “theory of loose parts,” an approach to environmental design highlighting the critical role open-ended materials play in supporting children’s creativity, inventiveness, and self-directed learning through play. Combined with an evolving understanding of how early learning environments might be interpreted and prepared – an ongoing dialogue with Reggio Emilia regarding the role of “the third teacher” – the theory of loose parts h