Curriculum
A nature-based early childhood curriculum has dual goals of promoting whole-child development and environmental literacy, with nature as the organizing concept of the curriculum. Rain or Shine School is Waldorf-inspired. We focus on the Waldorf inspired method rooted in a nature-based curriculum. In Waldorf Education, the nature curriculum often includes forest education, gardening, outdoor horticulture study, science observation and environmental work, camping and hiking experiences, and extensive uninterrupted, free play. At our school, we connect and learn in nature- rain or shine!
We believe that the Earth is a living body of interconnected patterns of relationships, that by knowing nature’s ways we can learn more about who we are and how we are part of nature, and that mindfulness is a way for us to know ourselves and experience our belonging to the Earth.
RIE philosophy - All Lead Teachers at RSS are RIE-certified. RIE aims to develop an authentic child who feels secure, independent, and able. Respect is a large part of the RIE philosophy, which stems from Emmi Pickler's original methodology. Parents and educators must respect an infant's ability to learn and develop naturally and give them ample opportunity to do so. Learn more here: RIE Principles and Philosophy continued!
Our Program
Our program offers a space where children are immersed in nature both outside as well as indoors. Nature informs the curriculum and teachers work in collaboration with children’s interests to develop engaging learning opportunities. We have a goal to spend at least half of each day outdoors: building with fallen branches, working in the garden, and following animal tracks in the snow. Sustained time outdoors in the Montana weather is possible with the support of families/caregivers who commit to preparing their children physically, mentally, and spiritually each day.
Our full-day early learning program consists of a single mixed aged classroom led by 2 teachers (guides) and an assistant to maintain a small class size.
Read the benefits of mixed aged (also known as multiage) learning here!
Classes Offered
Moon Garden - (RIE)
Parent Child Class
This class is rooted in the connection of parent and child- growing together. Meets for 90 minutes.
Must be 3 months old by September 10th of the academic year. Our Moon Garden class has specific days and blocks - please view our calendar for more information.
Tots in the Trees- (Waldorf inspired/ RIE)
Toddler Class
This class is rooted in the wonder and curiosity of infants and toddlers. Allows for exploration with organic, natural, and open-ended materials. The children are the curriculum.
Must be 10 months old by September 10th of the academic year. Tots in the Trees class has a monthly 2, 3 or 5-day option or drop-in.
Forest Skola - (Waldorf inspired/ Forest School)
Early Learning inspired by Waldorf and forest school methods.
This class is rooted in the work of imaginative play and exploration. Allows children to engage in music, art, and games that foster the child’s head, heart, and hands.
Must be four years old by September 10th of the academic year. Forest Skola class has a monthly 2, 3 or 5-day , drop-in, and afterschool option.
Other offerings
All classes are open enrollment. We do not follow a typical school year schedule.
Parent child classes run quarterly (see calendar for more info).
Learning through arts, music, movement, and uninterrupted play (head, heart, and hands).
Gardening- preparing fresh food together in community.
Folk skills on our homestead.