Acres of Fun Preschool — Good Pickin' Farm Education

Outdoor Education

Outdoor education embraces a student-led philosophy, blending free play and structured activities as foundational elements of early learning. This approach fosters a love of exploration and discovery, empowering children to take ownership of their educational journey.

Resilience, confidence, and grit are cultivated naturally as children shape the direction and content of the curriculum, guided by their curiosity and interests.

Ample outdoor activities and extended periods of outdoor play provide opportunities for growth and learning, supported by warm, inspiring, and nurturing educators who encourage each child’s unique potential.

Even naptime benefits from the outdoors. Children who nap outside tend to sleep more soundly, remaining undisturbed throughout their rest. The fresh, cool air is believed to oxygenate the brain and stimulate the release of melatonin, promoting deeper relaxation and longer sleep durations. As a result, children wake up refreshed, energized, and ready to embrace the day’s adventures.

At Acres of Fun, learning is natural and organic.

The day begins with cheerful hellos and the crunch of boots on gravel as children arrive, ready for another adventure. After a signing in with their letter recognition or handwriting skills and playing at the stations set up with different activities, we set off into the great outdoors.

Maybe today we’ll head into the woods, where tiny hands carefully count the petals of a wildflower or study the intricate veins of a leaf. Perhaps we’ll discover animal tracks etched in the snow and follow them to see where they lead, sparking conversations about local wildlife. Every step offers a new opportunity to observe, question, and explore.

When we stop at the chicken coop, the animals eagerly greet their young caretakers. Children take turns gathering eggs, filling water dishes, or scattering feed for the chickens. Each task fosters responsibility and strengthens their connection to the world around them.

After washing up and enjoying a snack, the group might gather for a guided activity—building a birdhouse, experimenting with natural dyes, or observing pond life with magnifying glasses. Sometimes the curriculum flows from the day’s discoveries, like sketching leaves found on a hike or writing stories about the imagined journey of the animal tracks we saw earlier.

Lunchtime is a community affair. We sit together under the open sky or in the cozy shelter in our classrooms, sharing stories and enjoying the fresh air before settling down for a much needed rest time. Afterward, there’s time for free play. Children climb, run, dig, and create in Pickin’s Playground or retreat to quiet spots for reflection.

As the day winds down, the children help tidy up their spaces, taking pride in their contributions to the farm. With rosy cheeks and satisfied smiles, they say goodbye, leaving with dirt under their nails, fresh air in their lungs, and a wealth of new experiences.

Here at the farm, learning isn’t confined to books or walls—it happens organically, woven seamlessly into every moment of the day.

At Acres, our young friends learn far more than the skills needed to prepare for Kindergarten and future schooling—they learn how to be good people.

Through our activities on the farm, children develop empathy, kindness, and responsibility in a hands-on, meaningful way. They feed the animals, gather eggs, and care for the land, gaining a deep understanding of how their actions impact the world around them.

By working together and taking care of living things, they practice patience, cooperation, and respect. These experiences build a strong foundation for character development, shaping compassionate, thoughtful individuals who contribute positively to their communities.

At Acres of Fun, we believe in nurturing the whole child through immersive, nature-based experiences. Our preschool program is designed to foster a love of learning while engaging children in the wonders of the natural world. Each day, our young learners interact with farm animals, developing not only important skills but also a deep appreciation for the environment around them.

Our curriculum emphasizes creativity and exploration, providing children with the opportunity to engage their imaginations and curiosity. Through outdoor activities, hands-on projects, and guided interactions with farm animals, we aim to cultivate an environment where children can thrive both academically and socially.

We invite you to learn more about how our approach can positively impact your child's early educational journey. Join us in encouraging a lifelong love of learning through the beauty of nature.

Nature-Based Learning

Cognitive - Literacy/Math/Science

Collecting, labeling, classifying, sorting, pattern recognition, storytelling, singing, building structures (engineering), cause and effect in natural world.
Fine Motor

Drawing, cutting, picking (moss & bark off trees, flowers, plants), self-help skills, painting, sculpting, small scale construction, digging, breaking up dirt, carving.
Gross Motor

Hiking, climbing trees, running (on un-even ground), hopping, jumping, swinging, crawling, balancing on logs, circle games, large scale construction (fort building or lifting rocks).
Social

Conflict resolution, circle activities, group games/hikes, spontaneous & uninterrupted free play, group observation, storytelling, fort building, problem solving, building friendships.
Sensory

Water & mud play, digging, sculpting, free exploration, smelling, tasting, nature collecting, weather experiences, music.
Emotional

Uninterrupted imagination play, opportunities to problem solve & negotiate, observation of natural world, exposure to weather, self-help, working together, helping others.