Forest Kindergarten
For 4 & 5 Year Olds / Pre-K & K
What is Forest Kindergarten
We offer Forest Kindergarten for children ages 4 & 5 in grades Pre-K & Kindergarten. In Forest Kindergarten children learn about life and God by exploring His book of nature. Along with hands-on language and math activities in the classroom, students will be able to spend time outdoors developing their imagination, creativity, motor skills such as balance and hand-eye coordination, physical strength and focus. Unstructured exploration outdoors also encourages problem-solving and development of social skills. Spending time outdoors leads children to form questions about the world around them, sparks their curiosity, and leads to a lifetime of learning. Most importantly, studying creation grows our love and appreciation for our wonderful Creator and His design for our lives. Sign up while there is still room!
More information on Forest Kindergarten
Here is an article in the Dalton Daily Citizen regarding our Forest Kindergarten program.
Daily Citizen Article "Learning Tree Elementary adding forest kindergarten classes this fall (with VIDEO)"
Philosophy & Research
To understand more about the philosophy and review research regarding the benefits of young children learning in nature, please visit these websites:
Brenda Hagan, our Forest Pre-K & Kindergarten Teacher
18th Year at Learning Tree Elementary School- B.A. in English
- Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential
- Professional Teaching Certificate from North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists
Brenda Hagan initially planned on teaching English; however, after assisting in an elementary school near Walla Walla University where she was attending, she realized what she was really interested in was elementary education. So after she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English, she went on to complete Elementary Education courses at Humboldt State University. She received a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and began her career with a wide range of teaching experiences in multi-grade classrooms in Montana, Oregon and Washington before making her way to the south to teach at Learning Tree. She has had experience in every grade from Pre-K to 8th, and while she has found great things about teaching each grade level, she is particularly interested in early childhood education and helping children grow and develop their character and become lifelong learners. Brenda feels that teaching is a mission and she works diligently to create an environment where students can learn more about Jesus. Above all, she desires to help each child grow closer to Jesus and to know He is always by their side and that He loves us all more than we can imagine.