Our Teaching Philosophy

Young children thrive in environments that are natural, predictable, hands-on, slow, rooted in tradition, and present.

🌿 Nature as Teacher

The outdoors provides more lessons than any worksheet ever could

✋Child-Led

Adults observe and support; children direct their own learning

🐌 Slow & Spacious

We prioritize depth over speed, presence over productivity

🔄 Repetition & Ritual

Returning to the same place, materials, and rhythms builds mastery

🎨 Loose Parts Play

Sticks, stones, leaves—open-ended materials spark endless creativity

🎨💧 Whole Body Learning

Sensory-rich experiences that engage every sense and muscle

A child exploring nature on a forest trail, with trees and lush greenery in the background. Overlaid text reads: 'Little explorers learn with their whole bodies. Roots & Rainboots celebrates curiosity, nature, and childhood wonder.' The Roots & Rainboots Nature Co. logo features a boot with a plant growing from it.

How Children Learn Outdoors (Ages 2-5)

SENSORY LEARNING

Children explore through touch, smell, sound, and movement.

REPETITION & RETURN

Returning to familiar items builds mastery.

OPEN-ENDED PLAY

Sticks, leaves, and stones become tools for discovery.

OBSERVATION

Watching birds, bugs, and weather teaches patterns.

IMAGINATION

Nature sparks pretend play naturally.

RELATIONSHIP WITH LAND

Belonging develops through repeated outdoor experiences.

Core Developmental Areas

This curriculum supports 9 areas of development:

- Sensory Processing

- Curiosity & Inquiry

- Early Science Thinking

- Fine Motor Skills

- Gross Motor Development

- Spatial Awareness

- Emotional Regulation

- Language Development

- Creative Expression

Each activity supports multiple areas at once.