Forest Kindergarten
Pilot Program hosted by Waldorf School of Lexington
Our Forest Kindergarten program provides a morning of wonder and imaginative play in an outdoor setting. Children ages 3–6 years will spend two mornings a week (Mondays and Tuesdays) immersed in the 185-acre Great Meadows conservation land behind the Waldorf School of Lexington. There will be ample opportunities for free, imaginative play, fine and gross motor skill building as well as social/emotional skill development. Our morning rhythm will bring the class together for seasonal songs, verses, a puppet show, and circle games—all sparking a sense of wonder.
Research tells us that outdoor education offers immense benefits on a child’s mental and physical health. “Outdoor play is essential for healthy development, especially in children’s early years, as being active outside, provides children with invaluable experiences that can directly influence their physical and emotional development, social skills, creativity and even their intelligences.” In the Nordic countries, where forest schools are prevalent, children are experiencing improved self-esteem, curiosity and teamwork skills.
Children will be outdoors in all weather, rain or shine! In addition to outdoor gear, children will need to bring their own backpack with a snack/lunch, water-bottle, and a change of clothes.
Spring 2024 Session Details
Monday, April 22–Tuesday, June 4
(No Class on May 27)
Mondays & Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m.
Cost: $962
The Forest Kindergarten Pilot Program is staffed by two veteran Waldorf teachers, Julia Galginaitis and Maureen Ryan
Julia Galginaitis has over 20 years of experience working with children. She is a trained Waldorf Teacher that received her education at both Sunbridge College for Early Childhood Education and The Early Childhood Teacher Education Center at Sophia's Hearth. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the State University of New York at Oneonta.
Julia worked at the Waldorf School of Lexington for many years as an early childhood teacher and then helped to establish an outdoor forest program called Forest Kids, which is now in its seventh year. Her deep love of being in nature with children led to her wish to bring the classroom into the Forest.
Julia's passion for Waldorf education began when her oldest child started kindergarten at the Waldorf School of Lexington. Observing the simplicity of the classroom yet sensing the richness, depth and creative impulse of the curriculum sparked her desire to become a Waldorf teacher. All three of her children graduated from the 8th grade at WSL.
Storytelling and puppetry are some of her favorite gifts to share with the children, and her puppet Old Gnome is a dear forest friend and companion to all.
Maureen Ryan has more than 25 years of experience working with children. She graduated from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts with a B.A. in Human Development. She completed her Early Childhood Waldorf Teacher Training at Sophia’s Hearth Family Center in Keene, New Hampshire.
Maureen was first introduced to Waldorf Education when her younger sister attended the Waldorf School of Lexington (in the first graduating class). She fell in love with Waldorf Education and enrolled her daughter in the earliest possible program “Waldorf Park”. Her daughter is a graduate of the WSL.
Maureen established and ran her own Waldorf-inspired daycare for four years, before joining the Waldorf School of Lexington as a faculty member. At the Waldorf School of Lexington, Maureen has worked as a teacher in Early Childhood Programs including nursery, kindergarten and parent child classes. She is currently an assistant teacher in Buttercups class.
Maureen is passionate about bringing joy in movement, in singing and the wonder of the natural world. She enjoys exploring nature with children and helping them to feel safe and comfortable in the outdoors. She helped to establish an all outdoor forest program called Forest Kids, which is now in its seventh year.