Our [first-born] son was a very active and physical toddler who was struggling in a more structured environment. When we learned about Painted Oak we thought it could be a good alternative so we enrolled him and crossed our fingers! At our first Parent Teacher Conference we were apprehensive, unsure what we would hear about his behavior and integration into his new class. However, thankfully at that first conference we heard instead about how engaged he was with his class, how much he enjoyed climbing in the woods and his curiosity about worms and creepy crawlies. Over time [our son] transformed, he grew in his love for the outdoors, his behavior calmed, and physically he became confident and agile. He spent many days at Painted Oak jumping over streams, climbing trees and building forts. We began hearing from our friends and family about how much calmer and happier he seemed to them too. In time, two of our other children joined him at Painted Oak and each took their turn finding the fun in the outdoors.
Today our children are intrepid explorers, teaming up to build worlds outside with great curiosity for their natural surroundings and a sense that they are a part of nature. They have also developed a great deal of resilience, fortified by days spent in freezing temps with chilly fingers and toes and hot summer days spent chasing the shade. These are the foundational characteristics of a childhood spent at Painted Oak, surrounded and inspired by nature and it’s beauty and strengthened by their relationships to one another and their teachers.
Sarah W.
Painted Oak Nature School parent
