The owner of a South Surrey Montessori preschool is adding a new element to the program – the forest.
Christine Algard said her Precious Seeds Montessori House will offer a 'forest school' starting in the fall.
Noting it was inspired by a North Vancouver nature program – Fresh Air Learning – Algard said the forest school will be the first of its kind in the South Surrey/White Rock area.
Algard said she learned about the "amazing" concept during a professional development workshop three years ago, and with her school backing onto Crescent Park, the new "classroom" is literally at her doorstep.
She described it as an extension of the Montessori program; where children will learn using natural elements, and hopefully develop a love of nature in the process.
"They'll have that engrained within them, that love of environment," Algard said, noting the program meets all the requirements of preschool, "but within the framework… of the outdoors."
Algard noted she has spoken with City of Surrey parks officials and will ensure that the students and teachers stay on the park's trails.
She is optimistic it will catch on.
"Provided we can implement it the way we have in our hearts, I'm thinking it will be a great success," she said.
For more information, visit precious-seeds.com/forest or call 604-535-9190.