Pinecones & Playtime is an outdoor half-day preschool committed to creating a community of little learners who feel safe, engaged and excited to try new things, explore nature and build independence. We provide morning or afternoon care in Lake Forest Park, WA for children ages 2.5-5 that is inspired by Montessori, Respectful Parenting, Big Little Feelings and play-based philosophies. Pinecones & Playtime was created by moms who believe that kids deserve to be kids and that they thrive in the outdoors, learning best through a mix of structured and unstructured independent and group play.

We focus on social and emotional development, helping kids to build confidence and inquisitiveness while gaining independence, self-esteem and leadership skills through cooperative learning projects. Classes include free-play, structured teacher-guided instruction, reading, singing, games, yoga, stretching, Italian, Spanish, sign language, digging, gardening, neighborhood walks, building, running and exploring.

WE BELIEVE

• THE BASICS: Science is real, love is love, kindness is everything and diversity makes us stronger.
• SUPPORT: Being independent is just as important as being able to ask for help. We encourage kids to be independent, to speak up for themselves and for others, and to feel empowered to problem solve on their own while also fostering an environment where kids feel comfortable asking for help.
• RESPECT: Everyone deserves respect. We strive to meet everyone’s needs by treating students with respect and collaborating with them to ensure they feel supported, heard, loved and valued.
• BODY SAFETY: Kids are the bosses of their own bodies.
• POWER OF POSITIVITY: It’s important to focus on the positive. In our communication with students, we aim to frame things in the positive as much as possible, stating what you can do (not what you can’t) to help build confidence in kids through an uplifting, safe and nurturing environment.
• TEACHING STYLE: There is no singular approach that is best for everyone. Therefore, our teaching style incorporates Montessori, Respectful Parenting, Big Little Feelings and play-based philosophies. This method fosters creativity, builds confidence, teaches independence and encourages curiosity and a love of learning.

WHY WE LEARN THROUGH PLAY & WHY WE PLAY OUTSIDE

• Being outside is critical for kids’ physical and mental health and development.
• Playing outside improves executive function, skills that help us plan, prioritize, problem-solve, multi-task and negotiate. It also promotes curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.
• Kids need about three hours of outdoor play each day. Unstructured physical activity helps kids sleep better and can improve concentration and mood the next day. More outdoor time is also linked with improved motor development.
• Research shows that children have less anger and aggression when they spend more time in natural settings. Impulse control is also better.