Bay Area Forest & Beach School
Discover our unique approach
Rooted in connectedness, awe, science & creativity.
Our school takes a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool out into the parks, beaches, and forests of Northern California,. We mix the renowned Reggio Emilia philosophy, with the wisdom behind Danish Forest Schools. We also highly value evidence based research on interconnectedness and social emotional learning. Read on to learn more.
Reggio Emilia Inspired
The Reggio Emilia approach values child agency, collaboration within our community, and deep exploration of ideas, making it a unique and progressive educational model. This philosophy originated in the northern Italian city of Reggio Emilia, following World War II. It is renowned for its focus on early childhood education and places a strong emphasis on the development of the whole child through collaborative, experiential learning. The Reggio Emilia philosophy has been highly influential in early childhood education worldwide, with many schools adopting its principles to foster a rich, child-centered learning environment. Some key principles that the BAFBS adopts from the schools in Reggio Emilia are: The Image of the Child The Reggio Emilia philosophy views children as capable, competent, and full of potential. Children are seen as active participants in their learning, not passive recipients of knowledge. This emphasizes the belief that children have a right to express themselves in many ways, including through the "100 languages"—various modes such as drawing, talking, dancing, and playing which supports and celebrates everyone’s unique learning styles. The Role of the Teacher Teachers in Reggio Emilia are seen as facilitators and co-learners, rather than just instructors. They work alongside children to explore ideas, provoke thinking, and support exploration. Educators are highly reflective, continuously observing and documenting children’s progress, interests, and questions to tailor the learning experience. The Environment as the "Third Teacher" The physical environment is considered a crucial element in learning and is often referred to as the "third teacher" (after the child and the educator). At BAFBS mother nature is our environment and therefore the “Third Teacher” Collaboration and Community Learning in Reggio Emilia is highly collaborative. Children work in small groups, sharing ideas, problem-solving, and learning from each other. Teachers, parents, and the community are also considered key partners in the educational process. Parent involvement is seen as integral, with parents encouraged to participate in classroom activities and decision-making processes. At BAFBS we strive to create a strong community of learners, including everyone in the family! Focus on Social and Emotional Development The approach emphasizes the importance of developing emotional intelligence, social skills, and a sense of belonging. Cooperation, respect, and empathy are fundamental values. Children are encouraged to express their emotions and collaborate with peers, helping to foster a positive learning environment. Project-Based Learning Children often engage in long-term, self-directed projects that explore a topic or question of interest. These projects can span days or weeks, allowing for deep exploration. Teachers guide children in investigating these topics by offering resources, asking open-ended questions, and encouraging hands-on activities that provoke curiosity and critical thinking. Documentation and Reflection The process of learning is carefully documented through photographs, notes, and children’s work. This documentation serves not only to track children’s progress but also to reflect on the learning process and make it visible to others. It also provides an opportunity for parents and the community to engage with the children’s learning journey. Emphasis on Creativity and Expression The Reggio Emilia approach fosters creativity through the use of diverse materials and artistic expressions. Children are encouraged to explore their ideas through visual arts, music, movement, and other creative means. Artistic expression is seen as essential for children to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Inquiry-Based Learning Teachers adopt an inquiry-based approach, where learning is driven by questions and curiosity rather than a predefined curriculum. This encourages children to explore, investigate, and engage in critical thinking.
Danish Forest School
The Danish Forest Schools philosophy is grounded in the belief that time spent outdoors, particularly in natural environments, is vital for fostering well-rounded, confident, and resilient children. By focusing on nature-based learning, independence, risk-taking, and social development, the approach helps children develop not only academic skills but also emotional intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong connection to the environment. Danish Forest Schools are based on an outdoor, nature-based approach to early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of spending time in natural environments. In Forest Schools, the focus is on child-led learning. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding children’s exploration based on their interests, curiosity, and questions. This allows children to become active participants in their learning process, where they can follow their own ideas, test hypotheses, and learn at their own pace. Most of the time at BAFBS children are uninterrupted while at play! Learning through Nature Danish Forest Schools believe that nature is the best classroom for young children. Learning takes place in forests, parks, or other natural settings, where children can explore their environment in an immersive, hands-on way. The philosophy views nature as an essential tool for learning, offering children endless opportunities for discovery, creativity, and problem-solving. Child-Led Exploration Social Emotional Learning Forest Schools promote social learning by encouraging group activities in outdoor settings. Children learn to share, negotiate, collaborate, and resolve conflicts, helping them develop strong social skills in a natural, supportive environment. The group dynamic helps foster a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for emotional development. Independence and Self-Confidence The Forest School approach promotes independence by giving children the freedom to explore, make decisions, and take responsibility for their actions. This builds confidence, as children learn that they can trust their own abilities. Teachers provide guidance but allow children the space to solve problems on their own, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-reliance. Learning through Play Play is seen as the most natural way for children to learn. Forest Schools integrate free play into the curriculum, encouraging children to create their own games, stories, and activities. Through play, children develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and social interactions, all of which are key to cognitive and emotional development. Outdoor Play and Physical Activity Outdoor play is central to the Forest School approach. Children spend most of their day outside, engaging in physical activities that foster gross motor skills and an appreciation for the environment. Activities like climbing, running, building, and playing in natural settings support physical development, resilience, and confidence. Risk-Taking and Resilience Forest Schools embrace managed risk as an important part of development. Children are encouraged to take on physical challenges, such as climbing trees or navigating uneven terrain, which helps them build resilience and confidence in their abilities. This approach teaches children how to assess risks, make decisions, and learn from mistakes in a safe and supportive environment. Connection to the Environment A core value in the Forest Schools philosophy is fostering a deep connection to nature. Children learn to respect and care for the natural world through daily interactions with it. Activities often include learning about plants, animals, weather, and ecosystems, helping children develop environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility for the world around them. Holistic Development The Forest School approach emphasizes the holistic development of the child, including their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth. Children are encouraged to explore their emotions and build strong interpersonal skills through group activities, fostering empathy, communication, and cooperation. Seasonal Awareness The philosophy includes a strong emphasis on experiencing the changing seasons and understanding how the natural world shifts throughout the year. This awareness helps children develop an appreciation for the rhythms of nature. Activities are adapted to the seasons, such as observing plant growth in spring, collecting leaves in autumn, or learning about winter wildlife.
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A typical day at BAFBS
~ play provocations with open ended materials
~ meeting time
~ hike/walk/explore
~ art
~ story
~ hike/walk back
*We believe in the importance of uninterrupted exploration.
Therefore, all play provocations are optional for children.