Our multi-age classroom ranges from children 2.5 – 10
years old. My name is Maria and I am the owner and only teacher at Muddy Puddles Nature School. One of the main benefits of Muddy Puddles is the continuous of care. That means your child will have the same teacher from 2 – 10 years old. That also means you will see me when drop off your child and when you pick them back up. I do have a list of
qualified substitutes for when I am sick or need a day off. Before school: 7:00 am – 8:30 am
Preschool, 3-k, 4-k: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
After school: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
• Morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack are included. Another benefit is our multi-age classroom because learning is put at the center. The older students in the class help teach the younger students by modeling more sophisticated, complex problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This also allows them to organically learn about leadership, mentoring and collaboration. The younger children can seek guidance from the older students rather than having to rely solely on assistance from me. This not only enriches their learning experiences; it also allows them to develop independence and to feel secure in their capabilities. Multi-age classrooms cultivate a child-led learning environment where students can develop a lifelong love of learning! Unlike traditional preschools, Muddy Puddles follows a child-led curriculum. The children and myself co-construct their learning experiences through observation, intentional planning, creative environments, and active exploration of materials. We are lucky enough to have an inside and outdoor classroom. Each environment is intentional set up for optimal learning. In the warmer months, we spend all day in our outside classroom. In the springtime, the children help plant our flower and vegetable gardens. They help water and w**d it during the summer and harvest it during the fall. In the colder months, we go outside if it is above zero degrees Fahrenheit. The children come dressed in their “work clothes”. Depending on the time of year that might mean their swimsuit, play clothes or snowsuit. The children will not bring home “prove” of their learning on worksheet, instead they will bring home the evidence of their learning on their “work clothes”.
