About PNWK
Since 2018, Premier Northwest Kids Forest School has provided an entirely outdoor education program with an emphasis on child-led interest learning and inquiry-based teaching.
Our programs are designed to integrate children with nature and engage them in quality outdoor activities, which stimulate their innate curiosity about the natural world. Our goal is to help children become strong, confident, and self-sufficient, while developing a love of learning. We plant seeds and pull grass, collect flowers and count pinecones, climb trees and jump off stumps, and explore both on and off park trails.
Our Mission
At PNWK, our mission is to develop safe and inclusive outdoor education programs that foster children's connections to themselves, their communities, and the world through free exploration, place-based learning and nature immersion.
“This all sounds great, but what are the benefits of outdoor education?”
This is a valid and common question we receive — click on the dropdowns below to learn more!
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Forest preschools provide children with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and develop a strong sense of environmental stewardship. Spending time outdoors helps kids develop a deep appreciation for the environment. They learn about plants, animals, and ecosystems through hands-on experiences, fostering a lifelong love for the natural world.
Source: National Wildlife Federation
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Engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, and playing in the forest promotes physical development. Children build strength, coordination, and balance while enjoying fresh air and exercise. Forest preschools encourage movement and exploration, helping kids stay active and healthy.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
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Forest preschools are at the forefront of promoting STEM education in early childhood. The natural surroundings serve as a dynamic classroom for hands-on STEM exploration. Children are given the opportunity to engage in scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and engineering challenges while immersing themselves in the wonders of the natural world.
Moreover, forest preschools introduce young learners to essential STEM tools such as magnifying glasses and binoculars, igniting their curiosity and laying the foundation for a lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
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Forest preschools are a hotbed for cognitive development in children. The diverse range of experiences they offer stimulates cognitive growth in various ways. Children practice essential cognitive skills such as observation, classification, and logical thinking by identifying plant species, tracking wildlife, and exploring the intricacies of the forest ecosystem.
The multi-sensory environment of the forest provides ample opportunities for children to enhance their memory, sharpen their attention spans, and develop cognitive flexibility. As they interact with nature, children's minds are nurtured, contributing to their overall cognitive development.Source: Child Development Institute
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In a forest preschool, the natural environment becomes a canvas for creativity. Children use sticks, leaves, and rocks to build forts, create art, and invent imaginative games. Unstructured play in nature sparks their creativity and allows them to think outside the box.
Source: Children & Nature Network
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Forest preschools encourage children to solve real-world problems they encounter in the natural environment. Whether it's figuring out how to cross a stream or identifying different animal tracks, these experiences promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Source: Outdoor Classroom Project
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Through activities like storytelling, reading in a natural setting, and exploring the natural world through books, these unique educational settings foster a strong foundation for literacy. Children are encouraged to engage with literature amidst the beauty of the outdoors, expanding their vocabulary, comprehension, and ultimately, their love for reading. This early exposure to literacy in a natural environment provides a holistic approach to learning and sets the stage for academic success.
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Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in both children and adults. Forest preschools provide a calming and soothing environment, helping children develop emotional resilience and cope with life's challenges.
Source: Stanford University
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Forest preschools promote social interaction and cooperation among children. Working together on nature-based projects and group activities fosters strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and teamwork.
Source: Children, Youth and Environments
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In the forest preschool setting, children often have more autonomy and independence. They learn to make decisions, assess risks, and solve problems on their own, leading to increased self-confidence and resilience.
Source: Psychology Today
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Exposure to diverse outdoor environments can strengthen a child's immune system. Forest preschools expose children to a variety of microbes and allergens, potentially reducing the risk of allergies and boosting overall health.
Source: ScienceDirect
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Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of forest preschools is instilling a lifelong love for learning. Children develop a curiosity about the natural world that carries into their formal education and beyond.
Source: Children & Nature Network
