The unique partnership between Morgantown Learning Academy and the Mountain Stewardship and Outdoor Leadership School (Mountain SOL) has expanded into an exciting learning experience for the youngest of our students. The Little Acorns is our newest addition to integrating hands-on, experiential outdoor education into early childhood education. 

Who are the Little Acorns?

Little Acorns is for 3 and 4-year old students and integrates nature-based preschool, or waldkindergarten, approaches to a traditional American preschool education. This class meets 5 days a week in the morning from 8am to 11am for 3 year olds and in the afternoon from 12:15pm-3:15pm for 4 year olds.  The Little Acorns are in the capable and caring hands of Ms. Kate with support from Mountain SOL instructors and MLA ancillary teachers.

What is Nature-based Preschool?

A nature-based preschool combines environmental education with early childhood education to create meaningful outdoor experiences that are developmentally appropriate. Environmental education aims to provide knowledge and skills, along with an emotional connection, to lead individuals to environmentally responsible behaviors. In a nature-based preschool, students build cognitive skills like divergent thinking, physical skills like balance, coordination and endurance, and social and emotional skills like problem solving, discovery, and conflict resolution. The emotional connections of environmental education along with the sensory and play-based learning of early childhood come together to form a powerful educational experience in a nature-based preschool.

What should I expect?

Many lessons are based in the natural world where we’ll explore, learn and identify the plants and animals that live in our forests. Following along with the seasonal changes, students will experience the various cycles that encompass the daily life of the the human and natural environment. From the water cycle to the life cycle of a frog, we will discover and investigate the wonders of our world. 

Because this program is nature-based, there is a large emphasis on outdoor, hands-on experiences. This means we’ll be outside in all types of weather! Children have time dedicated to outdoor exploration and play. The Little Acorns will spend time outside with Jen-Osha Buysse (Senora Jen) and Mt SOL instructors Jason Ruehl and Lauren Martin. Children should come prepared with outdoor gear for any weather. We do, however, take safety seriously and will not be outside in unsafe weather and temperatures.  

During our indoor class time, we are still nature-based! The outdoor learning doesn’t stop when we go indoors!

How do I learn more about enrolling my Little Acorn?

To learn more about tuition rates and schedule a site visit, please contact Morgantown Learning Academy by phone at 304-296-9554 or email at mla@learningacademy.org.