Maplewood Outdoor Preschool: 'Let Kids Romp In Mud, Enjoy Nature'

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Are you one of those parents who feel that kids are coddled and kept indoors too often? Have you ever found yourself saying “a little dirt never hurt anyone?”

The newly launched Maplewood Outside School has a mudpie waiting just for you.

Here’s how administrators describe the “progressive” preschool and its mission:

“Maplewood Outside School follows the ‘forest school’ ethos: it operates entirely outdoors. Forest schools have seen great success and growth across Europe for the past decade and have recently started to become popular across the U.S. While each forest school operates differently, the central theme is that class is held outside, allowing children to learn and grow in a natural environment. And yes, outsides means outside. Even when it's pouring rain or snow, you'll find kids ranging from two to five tramping through the mud, dirt and snow up to their ankles.”

According to the school’s administrators, the forest school model has several benefits:

• “Kids have a significantly easier time learning when they're given the chance to explore freely outside”
• “Studies have found that forest schools aid in a child’s ability to develop confidence at their own pace”
• “Forest schools help children express themselves physically and verbally”

School administrators say that while some adults may find the idea of being outside “all the time” daunting, most children are actually thrilled at the suggestion.

“How many kids like the idea of going to a cement room every day?” the school’s website asks. “Being outdoors is found to make children have a more positive attitude and attention span for learning.”

• See related article: Outdoor Classroom Opened At Maplewood’s Seth Boyden School
• See related article: Unique ‘Outdoor Classroom’ Coming To Nutley’s Yanticaw Park

On the rare days that the weather is severe – meaning thunderstorms or other such weather – the school plans to move its meetings to an indoor location, such as the town library. The staff is certified in CPR, carry first-aid kits everywhere they go and keep phones on them at all times, the school states.

The school plans to begin pilot classes in August with a “more robust program” beginning in the autumn of 2017. The first day of class will be Sept. 11.

Prospective families can learn more here, or by emailing info@maplewoodoutsideschool.com

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Photo: Maplewood Outside School

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