ABOUT
Creekside Nature School provides a rich learning environment for children through daily nature immersion and child-inspired emergent curriculum. Creekside is a place-based program sitting on eleven acres of property that includes open spaces, wooded areas with hiking trails, a seasonal creek and sheltered spaces for severe weather days.
The goal is to give children the opportunity to learn and grow while immersed in nature, supporting whole-child learning in the outdoor classroom. This type of learning allows children to explore and grow in all areas. Through these outdoor experiences children gain the skills they need to successfully journey through life.
I’ve been in the education field for 20+ years now. Throughout those years I've had the opportunity to teach and learn in a wide variety of settings. From public schools to the private sector, as well as childcare facilities, and tutoring, but my absolute favorite has been homeschooling.
There's just something special about being able to provide your children with a personalized education in a setting that's conducive to learning at their own pace. Allowing them the time and space they need to thrive, not just academically, but emotionally and physically as well.
Our family was fortunate to travel around the United States while our children were young, and we decided to homeschool while we were on the road. Many of our days were spent outdoors and with lots of play time; the children thrived in this setting and enjoyed their lessons even more because we were outside.
After we decided to settle and grow some roots, it was time for me to consider which path to take in my career. With the kids back in school full time, I was able to focus on a specific direction for my teaching and love of learning.
I decided to jump on board and learn more about forest kindergartens and nature school programs, which were slowly popping up across the country.
I was so excited to find Clare at Ferntop Nature Preschool! She has since become a mentor and friend, but she really started as my inspiration to go down the nature school path. I was also fortunate to study with Erin Kenney at Cedarsong Nature School, as well as with Claire Warden of Mindstretchers Academy in Scotland.
My years of being an early childhood educator, along with my homeschooling experiences and love for nature, have led me here to Creekside Nature School.
I know I'm on the right path and hope to share my love of learning in the great outdoors with many families in the years to come.
TRACY’S EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
B.S. Education with Early Childhood and Elementary Education certification
Forest Kindergarten Certification from Cedarsong Nature School
Journeys Into Nature with Claire Warden through Mindstretchers Academy
CURRICULUM
Our lessons flow from the rhythms of the changing seasons and the natural world around us. Nature and the children inspire our learning and play. We believe it is important for children to have a sense of place, where they find comfort in their learning environment. Many of our daily lessons also encourage independence in self-care and caring for others. Mindfulness and compassion are life lessons that can be weaved into lots of lessons throughout our day.
Immersion in nature has been shown to have positive effects on mental and physiological health. Children who are immersed in nature:
- are able to express their feelings and emotions
- show less signs of depression
- are empathetic toward others
- can calculate and take risks
- develop confidence in their abilities
- have a lower risk of becoming obese
- develop coordination and improve motor skills
perform better on tests
have fewer discipline problems
are more engaged in their learning
are better able to communicate with others
have increased problem-solving skills
are resilient and persevere when it comes to completing tasks
take pride in their work and accomplishments
care for the environment and their surroundings
