Students Get the Chance to Experience Nature at Unique Preschool

ESKO - Instead of opening up notebooks, students at the Little Barnyard Preschool will be picking their snacks from the garden and going on nature hikes.Getting to school and immediately feeding the animals isn't always how preschools work, but now a school in Esko is making taking care of chickens and gardens a priority."Nature provides lots of hands–on learning experiences," said April Hepokoski, Director of The Little Barnyard Preschool.It's a half day program that's three years in the making.Hepokoski came up with the idea after working for a similar program."Children learn best in their natural environment and out here there're so many opportunities," continued Hepokoski.Opportunities like daily hikes and learning about wildlife."We have the ponds where we can go enjoy the streams, find wildlife. They learn all of their school readiness skills here, but through play and exploration," explained Hepokoski.Hepokoski says the hands-on experience has its perks."If they find a little frog and they're so excited about it, but they have to be very gentle and they're able to self–regulate a lot and it's just a lot of skill building activities in nature," said Hepokoski.The children can collect eggs, or pick vegetables for snacktime."Bring 'em over, wash them, the kids can crack them, mix 'em up you know make their own snack," said Hepokoski.When severe weather hits, kids will still get the chance to work with nature inside the classroom."Like hornets nests, birds' nests and snake skins all kids of different nature items," said Hepokoski.The school keeps things simple with only seven students in each class."The teacher is able to observe more easily and really engage with each child," said Hepokoski.School starts September 15th for kids ages 3–5.There's an open house for students and parents on Saturday.There are still a few spots open in the classes.You can find out more information on the school's website.