The forest children GET USED TO each other.

30. November 2023

What’s my Rexi up to right now? asks a child one morning in Tegernheim. Gudrun pulls out her forest phone and shows the pictures that his mom just sent: his favorite fabric dino gets to stay home this morning while he’s at the forest kindergarten, he decided. But his mom had to assure that Rexi is doing well! So she keeps sending photos of grocery shopping, working from home, or doing yoga in the forest, and he can play on reassured.

At the beginning, what a child needs to settle in and feel comfortable in the forest kindergarten varies from child to child.

It’s individual for each child! For some, the most important thing is knowing that their stuffed animal is doing well; others are reassured when they send their parents a butterfly emoji and they return from their forest walk when needed. Some dive right into forest adventures, seeking new playmates or quickly connecting with one of our educators. During the acclimatization period, the children and their parents determine the pace and exact process. We provide a “rough plan” that we all refine together, and separation from parents is only attempted when both children and parents feel ready for it.

In Tegernheim, the process is now completed for most new children, and they start their forest kindergarten life more independently, confidently, and still curious: but there’s so much to discover here too: Oh, new wood chips, how do we transport them to the porch now? Immediately, a team forms, and the new children and older smart foxes work together, giving each other tips. Thanks to this great teamwork, the terrace now shines again, and everyone feels comfortable! Mutual help and experimenting together are the motto, and it’s also diligently used to discover the coolest climbing routes up the mountain. Maybe with a stick! When children can contribute independently to the group, they really flourish: they have a task, they belong, and they can contribute something to the community. It starts small, e.g., carrying the garbage bag on the forest hike or cleaning up the trailer. Doing it together with the best friend, of course, makes it even more fun – there are even 2 real dream teams among the new children. In Herrieden, the smart foxes also took care of the new children very lovingly and enthusiastically and integrated them. This apparently has now led them to give back and help the older ones, and comfort them when they fall. They warmly respond to each other and support each other. And Little the (forest) polar bear? He can experience everything up close and helps with the transition with all his fluffiness where he can. Even our team in Tegernheim had its own acclimatization: we are happy about 3 new members – welcome! Full of enthusiasm, humor, and love for their work, the educators complement each other, distribute new tasks, are eager for the colorful forest kindergarten everyday life, and grow closer and closer! We look forward to everything that is to come and hope that Little will accompany you for a long time. If you want to know more about the pedagogical process, then take a look at our acclimatization concept.