Learning Environments
Minneapolis Nature Preschool is located on the occupied homelands of the Mdewákhaŋthuŋwaŋ, Wahpékhute, Waȟpéthuŋwaŋ and Sisíthuŋwaŋ Dakhóta Oyáte in Bdeóta Othúŋwe (Many Lakes City), Mnísota Makhóčhe (the land where the water reflects the clouds)—now known as Minneapolis, Minnesota. We are grateful to learn, play, and gather within these lands and waters, and honor the Dakota people as the original stewards and ongoing caretakers of this place.
In creating and tending our school forest space, we have partnered with members of the Dakota community, working to center Indigenous voices and build learning environments that honor both the history and future of this land. Through these relationships, we strive to amplify Indigenous leadership, knowledge, and stories within our curriculum, partnerships and daily practice.
Our program is rooted in a dynamic outdoor learning environment that evolves with the seasons and surprises us daily. Located within Anwatin-Bryn Mawr’s School Forest—a site officially designated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources—our preschool offers children diverse natural landforms and ecological habitats to explore, including a pond, ephemeral creek, deciduous woods and native plant gardens. Just beyond our forest lies a regional park with a bog, lake, bird sanctuary, playground, and wetlands that further enrich our daily adventures.
These lands are more than a backdrop for our learning—they are active teachers. By embracing a place-based, land-centered approach, we nurture children’s natural curiosity, empathy, and sense of responsibility for the living world around them.
Outdoor Classrooms and Daily Rhythm
Each day begins in our semi-enclosed outdoor courtyard, a safe and familiar space where children ease into their school day with 45 minutes of free play. Here, they can choose from a variety of learning spaces: a playhouse, garden beds, sandbox, climbing trees, a reading nook, paint easel, water table, and natural materials for open-ended exploration.
After free play, we gather at the stump circle just outside the courtyard for a large group meeting, where we sing together, introduce new ideas, share stories from the land, and talk through our plans and safety reminders for the day’s adventures. From there, classes may stay together or split into small groups to hike through the forest or visit one of our beloved outdoor classrooms.
Our School Forest
Over the years, children, families, Dakota leaders, and community members have helped shape our school forest — home to cherished outdoor classrooms adjacent to Theodore Wirth. Each space is named, loved, and recognized by the children, providing a sense of place, belonging, and continuity.
These spaces offer opportunities for imaginative play, fort-building, nature study, storytelling, and peaceful reflection — all guided by the children’s interests and the wisdom of the land itself. Our learning environments reflect our deep commitment to environmental stewardship, social-emotional well-being, and community care.