Our Educational Approach
Welcome to The Birdhouse, a nature-hybrid Early Childhood Education home away from home. Nestled in a serene forest with a charming farm and garden, The Birdhouse offers a vibrant learning environment. Children engage in hands-on activities like tending to the garden, feeding farm animals, and exploring the forest, fostering a deep connection with nature. Our seasonal curriculum includes storytelling, arts, practical skills, and outdoor adventures to ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Teacher Wren is Waldorf certified and Teacher Lizzie is Montessori certified. We blend Waldorf and Montessori and are heavily inspired Reggio Emilia philosophies, along with insights from Emmi Pikler and Magda Gerber, to nurture the whole child through exploration, discovery, and imagination.
We value community, creating an inclusive atmosphere where every child’s individuality is respected and nurtured. Our dedicated educators guide each child on their unique learning journey.
We follow the South Whidbey School District calendar from September to June. Teacher Wren’s class includes diaper services, organic snacks, and lunch. Teacher Lizzie’s class provides snacks, with children bringing their own lunches. Join us at The Birdhouse, where imagination takes flight.
Experience the magic of The Birdhouse and nurture your child’s growth with us.
Teacher Lizzie and Teacher Wren
What does that look like?
Art
Art is an integral part of daily activities. Children engage in watercolor painting, drawing, and crafting using natural materials. The emphasis is on the process rather than the product, allowing children to explore their creativity freely and develop a deep connection with the materials and their inner imaginative worlds.
Music
Music in the classroom includes singing, playing simple instruments, and listening to stories with musical elements. Songs are seasonal, helping children attune to the rhythms of nature. Music fosters a sense of community and joy, and is woven into daily routines and transitions.
Movement
Movement activities include many opportunities for self-movement, community engagement and purposeful work. Children also participate in rhythmic games, outdoor play and nature walks, and guided movement activities that help develop their physical coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.
Language
Language development is nurtured through rich storytelling, puppet shows, and daily circle time. Children are exposed to a wide range of vocabulary through poetic and rhythmic language, enhancing their listening skills and fostering a love for words and storytelling. The Peeps class also chooses a book to focus on each month. Every child receives their own copy of the book to keep and we often find our group project ideas in the book.
Mathematics
Math concepts are introduced through hands-on activities and rhythmic counting games. Children learn basic math skills through practical life activities, nature exploration, and imaginative play, which makes learning math an engaging and natural part of their day. In the Peeps class as a child becomes interested there is shelf work to support the learning of these concepts.
Outside Play
Outside Classroom Children spend significant time in nature, exploring, climbing, and engaging in imaginative play. This connection with nature supports their physical development, fosters a sense of wonder, and instills a deep respect for the environment.
