WALDKINDER
HERRIEDEN

Whether it’s fast or slow, big or small:

Here with us, children grow in and with nature – and, above all, they grow as individuals.

AT A GLANCE

Since September 2022, our forest kindergarten has been opening its proverbial door to the outdoors for little explorers: day after day, children encounter the wonders and challenges of nature. Simply by the changing weather and seasons, the forest turns into a play world where children are constantly discovering new adventures. The encounter with living creatures and the diverse play materials, such as sticks, stones, and cones, make both the beautiful forest clearing and the path leading up to it an incredibly rich educational space.

Thematic focus:

  • Education for sustainable development – ecological education
  • Natural space education – educational work in and with nature in accordance with the curricular educational basis in Bavaria

Contact

Key data

Number of day care places: 20 children
from 3 years old until school entry

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri
7:30 am - 2:00 pm

Closing times 2023:
Summer 14.08. - 01.09.
Winter 22.12. - 05.01.

Closing times 2024:
Spring 28.03. - 05.04.
Pedagogic day 28.03.
Summer 05.08. - 23.08.
Pedagogic day 04.10.
Winter 23.12. - 03.01.

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INSIGHT INTO OUR EVERYDAY LIFE

THIS IS WHAT INSPIRES US

How does sour make you? Funny!

After the garden harvest was already abundant, the forest children in Herrieden have now turned to the sweet fruits – or rather sour? In any case, there were plenty of apples and pears, and part of them were made into juice right away.

What’s growing between the carrots?

In their own vegetable and plant patch, the children have a whole new experience. A game of patience in which there is more to win than a delicious cucumber, which of course tastes much better than from the supermarket.

THIS IS WHAT DEFINES US

WE GROW TOGETHER

Our still young plantlet ‘forest kindergarten’ is intensively nurtured and cared for by all of us together. New ideas are sprouting daily: within the team, but above all of course, within the children. Their curiosity and thirst for exploration drive us and inspire us every day. Yet, one thing is firmly fixed on the (flexible) daily schedule: the close interaction with the parents. They, too, contribute greatly to the success of our cooperation after only such a short time.

I AM SOMEBODY. AND YES, I CAN.

THIS IS HOW WE EDUCATE

A DAY WITH US

Around 8:15 am, when everyone has arrived, we welcome the day with a song and a set ritual together. What will happen next? We are curious and excited! Because from now on, we are guided by the children’s ideas, the weather, or whatever else we encounter along the way. One thing is for sure: “Ready for a picnic, ready for a lunch? The forest children want to munch, munch, munch”. So we enjoy a hearty meal together: in the morning and at lunchtime. Because our day is shaped by fixed stations alternating with lots of space to play. Why not join us on our journey – we’d love to welcome you for a trial day!

THE IDEA BEHIND IT

With us, the children shape their everyday lives themselves. Their curiosity guides us. When a fire flares up, we try to fuel it. However, not every idea ignites. But in nature, “sparks” are everywhere – and a whole new game develops, and in the process, so does the child.
Caught fire?
Find out more about our pedagogy:

More insights...

BE PART OF IT

FIND YOUR
PLACE WITH US

YOUR DAYCARE PLACE

The registration and assignment of places for the next educational year is carried out during the registration period of the city of Herrieden. However, you can contact us any time to arrange a trial session. It is never too early or too late to get to know us! Come by and find out if we are the right place for your child.

THIS IS WHERE WE NEED YOU

We are looking for COllaborative WORKERS (m/f/d): whether it is here in this facility or elsewhere with our sponsor institution – get involved where you can and let’s shape education together.

BUILDING BRIDGES TO SCHOOL

The pre-school children themselves have a hand in shaping their last year in kindergarten as well: They have called themselves “smart foxes” and have developed an initiation ritual on their own. Upon their request, they are currently pursuing their wood carving license. First project: a wooden spoon.

Part of the preparations for the big transition in autumn is our close exchange with the primary school: whether it’s monthly singing at school, a joint hiking day or cooking by the fire – we are building relationships.

NETWORKS
AND PARTNERS

Education needs all of us! Our kindergarten thrives on close collaboration with people from a wide variety of backgrounds who contribute their ideas. From the public library, which we visit regularly, and our reading nanny, who visits us once a week, to the close cooperation with the primary school. We shape education together.

LET’S HEAR IT:

WHAT ARE YOU BRINGING TO THE TABLE?

Are your ideas starting to sprout? Bring them on! No matter whether your association wants to work with us or you want to support us as a regional entrepreneur – we look forward to you soon being part of our network. And we too can enrich your everyday life.