Nature Kindergarten
Growing up outdoors
In Lip’s nature kindergarten we lay the foundation for healthy development. As an additional group within our Cycle 1, we use nature as a wide-ranging learning space to promote cross-disciplinary skills and to give children a sense of groundedness.
Nature as the teacher
Our nature kindergarten is much more than just staying outdoors. It is a pedagogical concept that puts children’s natural curiosity, interest and enthusiasm at the center. While the Montessori group continues to have its usual place in the school building, the nature group consistently moves outdoors. Here children find the space they need to develop: wide, open and full of inspiration.
Being outdoors, staying grounded
The foundation of a strong tree lies beneath the ground. Similarly, we understand early childhood: it’s about putting down roots. Playing in the open nature promotes motor skills, strengthens the immune system and trains the senses in a way no indoor space can. Without prefabricated toys, sticks and stones become tools. This encourages creativity and cognitive flexibility.
Fostering cross-curricular skills
In nature, children are challenged as a team. Carrying a heavy branch together, coping with a change in weather, or sitting quietly in a forest or on a large meadow — all of this strengthens social skills and resilience. We support children in taking responsibility for themselves, the group and the environment. They carry these experiences as valuable tools into their further school journey and personal development.
Diverse learning settings
The world is our classroom. Although we use a fixed woodland site as a regular point of reference, our daily routine remains dynamic. We explore the variety of the surroundings and use the resources of our region:
Woodland site: Our retreat for focused exploration and quiet moments.
At the lake: During the summer months we explore the element of water and the shorelines of Lake Zurich.
On the farm: Animals, plants and the origins of our food become tangible.
In the garden & on excursions: We visit our garden at Grenzsteig and undertake horizon-expanding trips.
The children enjoy simply being themselves outdoors, being louder and unfolding freely.
The Lip School as a home base
Despite spending maximum time outdoors, our school remains the energetic and organizational base. We use the school’s infrastructure for specific projects, for exchange with the Montessori group and as a safe haven in extreme weather conditions.
In addition, the school serves as the location for our extended hours care: to make family life run smoothly, children in the nature group can arrive at Lip from 07:30 and be cared for until 18:00 in a familiar environment. This way the children benefit from the stable community of an established private school while also enjoying the freedom of nature.
Frequently asked questions about our nature kindergarten
Your contact person for the nature kindergarten
