Some questions to ask yourself before setting up an enrollment meeting:

1. Are you willing to have a positive outlook regarding the weather we encounter each day?

We believe, as the saying goes, there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.  We will be outside on the hot days, the frigid days, the rainy days and the perfect days, too.  Some days our time outside may be short, and others we’ll try to spend as much of the day outdoors as possible.  The time outdoors depends on our ability to keep everyone safe and comfortable.  How your outlook is about the weather has a direct impact on your child’s outlook as well.

2. Are you willing to take home dirty clothing and children to wash each day?

Brain research shows that when we are engaged with our whole bodies, our brains are making stronger, wider connections, building a solid foundation for all learning.  Being in a nature preschool means we play in mud and puddles.  We paint and glue. River Wild knows we are competent learners and gives us the freedom of autonomy – independently doing the things we are capable of – and sometimes that mean spills and messes.  You may need to give your child an extra bath or two each week.

3. Do you believe in the power of play and its effect on building learners ready to tackle not just school but LIFE?

“Children learn as they play.  Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.” O. Fred Donaldson

In play children are constantly testing, assessing, and expanding their understanding.  Play digs in deep and builds a solid foundation for all further learning.

4. Are you comfortable with risky play?

Risky play is not the same as hazardous play.  Risky play allows us to push ourselves and our boundaries to test limits.  Can I climb one branch higher in the tree?  Can I use tools to expand my learning? Can I hang upside down?  Can I jump across the creek?  All of these help build resilience, grit and perseverance and also help us build a better understanding of ourselves and our limits.

5. Are you willing and able to provide the gear needed for your child to be comfortable and safe in all types of weather?

The gear needed to keep a child safe through all types of weather can run be an expensive investment.  Saavy shoppers can find used gear or great deals during sales.  I will also share resources I find for quality gear that keeps us safe and allows us to experience all that Minnesota weather has to offer.

If you answered YES! to all of the questions above, River Wild sounds like the perfect fit!  Contact Jessica to set up your enrollment tour.