05/06/2026
This is learning in action!!
At first glance, it’s a messy slide. But everything seen here is placed with purpose and care. The Moss House Preschool has been spending time learning about Backyard Friends- centipedes, wasps, moles, lady bugs, and more. We’ve been talking about everyone’s jobs in the yard, and how each insect has a part to play. The preschoolers have taken a deep interest in finding and caring for the tiniest creatures.
And now the slide. A child noticed that some millipedes had died in the rain puddle at the bottom of the slide. This made her sad, and she decided to prevent this from happening again. Using leaves to make boats and mulch to make an island, this child wanted to make sure that no insect got stuck in the puddle again. She tested each leaf, making sure it wouldn’t sink and would help insects escape the water.
Why is this a big deal?
Play is the work of children, making sense of their world. This child demonstrated what she learned and applied it to a new situation. She showed empathy for things smaller than herself. She practiced creative problem solving.
Building this strong foundation in early childhood sets children up to succeed for the rest of their life. Children who attend child-led nature programs enter kindergarten equally ready as children attending academic or play-based preschools. Learning in an open natural setting like The Moss House encourages whole-child development, leading to happy healthy children who are more curious, more empathetic, and less likely to experience anxiety and depression as they grow up.
You can learn more about The Moss House Preschool and how it can support your child at
https://themosshouse.squarespace.com/forest-preschool
