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Learning In, From, and Through Nature
What We Believe
Land Ethics and Environmental Literacy
“When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” - Aldo Leopold
We hope to instill a Land Ethic and develop environmental literacy by immersing children in self-directed, play-driven, hands-on experiences that cultivate a deep connection to Mother Earth. "Land Ethic," is a term coined by naturalist, forester, writer, ecologist, philosopher and pioneering wildlife management conservationist Aldo Leopold, which reflects a deep moral responsibility to care for the land and recognize humanity's interconnectedness with nature. It emphasizes treating the environment not merely as a commodity to exploit, but as a community to which we belong.
This worldview fosters a deep respect for nature and promotes stewardship and sustainability. Environmental literacy builds on this Land Ethic by equipping children with the knowledge, skills, and values to later understand and address complex environmental challenges. It empowers them to make informed decisions, advocate for conservation, and develop innovative solutions to protect ecosystems. Gardening, composting, and creating wildlife habitats teach the importance of stewardship and highlight the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Unstructured outdoor play nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a sense of wonder about the natural world.
Observation, inquiry, and reflection is incorporated into nature journaling, storytelling, and group discussions to help children explore their relationship with the environment. Integrating indigenous perspectives broadens children's understanding of the cultural histories of and a respect for those who originally stewarded the land. Engaging with and learning about local ecology and seasonal changes fosters personal connections with nature. And service learning projects such as planting trees, cleaning litter from the forest, and removing invasive species create a sense of responsibility and community action.
All the while, we model sustainable practices such as adhering to Leave No Trace principals, using rain barrels, recycling systems, renewable packaging, and low waste and low impact material to demonstrate how small actions contribute to a larger ethic of care. Together, these approaches inspire a lifelong commitment to protecting and honoring the natural community
Process Over Product
At Wild Journey Forest School, we believe in the benefits of following a "process over product" approach. Process over product is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the value of the learning journey rather than the final outcome or finished product. In working with young children, this approach encourages them to explore, experiment, and engage deeply in activities without focusing on achieving a predetermined result. Instead of producing identical crafts based on a teacher's model, children are given the space to use materials creatively and expressively, allowing their unique ideas and problem-solving abilities to emerge.
The goal is the experiences and skills gained—such as critical thinking, decision-making, and fine motor development—rather than producing something that looks "perfect" or matches an adult's expectation. By prioritizing processes, children develop a stronger sense of autonomy, confidence, and intrinsic motivation. They learn to embrace curiosity, experiment without fear of failure, and view mistakes as opportunities for growth. This method also nurtures artistic expression and individuality, as children feel empowered to share their own ideas and interpretations.
Process over Product fosters a love of learning, as children find joy in the act of self-directed discovery rather than seeking external validation for their results. This supports holistic development by cultivating essential life skills and a mindset that values exploration, resilience, and creativity.
Foundations of Discipline
"Discipline isn't something you do to children, it's something you develop within them." -Dr. Becky Bailey
At Wild Journey Forest School, we understand that discipline is a fundamental part of learning. We aim to create a positive and engaging environment where all can be successful and thrive. We are dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive space where discipline is seen as an opportunity for growth and not punishment. ​We strive to teach children how to regulate their own behavior by fostering self-awareness, impulse control, and empathy.
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Our use of connection activities, routines, and rituals helps build a sense of community and safety. While our inspiration from synergistic educational philosophies such as Conscious Discipline, Responsive Classroom, Reggio Emilia, RIE, Waldorf, and Montessori principals supports the development of critical life-skills through meaningful, child-led experiences. We aim to create an emotionally safe and connected community that supports children on their learning journey.
Intentional Media Use
At Wild Journey Forest School, we focus on empowering children to explore their passions, develop their autonomy, think critically, and build meaningful connections with others, themselves and the natural world. Our approach emphasizes experiential and place-based learning in, from and through nature. While we holistically support social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth. We believe this allows children to develop a deep sense of who they are and what they believe in, with a reverence for all life.
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We encourage intentionally limiting the use of electronic media, recognizing that early exposure can detract from authentic learning through child-led play. Instead, we encourage children to engage fully with their surroundings, fostering skills and perspectives rooted in real-world experiences. Technology becomes a meaningful tool only when introduced at a stage where children are emotionally and cognitively prepared to use it thoughtfully.
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Transitioning to a low-media lifestyle can be a significant and often challenging shift, but our school community is here to guide families through this journey. We work cooperatively with families to support this adjustment, creating a shared culture that prioritizes connection, exploration, and intentional engagement over distractions from screen time.​​​​