How We Learn

For families with young kids, spending purposeful time outside is more important than ever. To thrive in this dynamic world, children need outdoor play experiences that deliver the hands-on lessons, valuable social interactions, multiple sensory engagement and restorative activity. While finding ways to create enriching outdoor moments is essential, it isn’t always easy. Getting outside might be a simple first step, but for a lot of us, knowing what to do next—and how to make it count— just doesn’t come naturally.

Here at Rooted in Play Outdoor Learning, families are encouraged to get outside and make the most of their kids’ early learning years. Designed by education experts and loved by many families, the Tinkergarten play-based and outdoor curriculum guides parents in raising healthy, confident, and capable kids. The Tinkergarten curriculum is intentionally designed to help kids develop a life skill each season. Every child is accepted and celebrated for wherever and whoever they are, and our grown-ups are provided with various resources to support their child’s learning as they grow. Families who attend weekly sessions, will feel inspired and confident to replicate fun, engaging and super-simple play invitations at home. It makes purposeful outdoor play doable for every family!

Vision

All parents are empowered as their child’s most important teacher; all families nurture our planet; and all kids learn how to thrive in our dynamic world.

Mission

Help kids and families learn together through well-designed, outdoor play experiences.

Values

  • We share an unwavering commitment to make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of children and families.

  • We create inclusive spaces in which every person is celebrated, valued, connected and encouraged to flourish.

  • We are curious, humble, and playful, driven to learn from every experiment, collaboration, and experience. We all have much to teach and even more to learn.

  • We embrace our diversity and work together with mutual reverence in order to grow as individuals and serve our greater purpose.

  • Nature is our north star. It’s an ideal classroom and our shared home. It is our duty and promise to nurture the future stewards of our planet.

About the Classes

Play-focused, designed thoughtfully, and geared toward getting families outside, with the intention of helping kids develop the critical skills they’ll need as they grow into adults. Curriculum and activities are suggested (but not restricted to) children aged 18 months to 8 years old. All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. We meet weekly for 60-75 minutes, and, using the Tinkergarten curriculum, learn through songs, stories, movement, exploration and play! Intentional time and space is left for adults to reflect and connect, too.

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