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Friendly Forest Preschool

By Dana Verhoff and Thera Grady February 6, 2014
As your child nears three years old, choosing the right preschool can seem like a daunting task - there are philosophies, schedules, and locations to consider.  The good news is that you do have choices.  Yes, that's a good thing because every child is different and finding the right learning environment is important.

Friendly Forest Preschool is new on the local scene and provides a unique approach to early childhood education.  This home-based preschool taught by a local mom-of-two may be the perfect fit of your child and family.

Owner and lead teacher, Thera Grady, has a vision for her school: "My hope is to teach children to explore the world and to shine as themselves in it."  Ultimately, to provide students with readiness skills so that they are more comfortable entering school and participating in group activities.  I had the chance to ask Thera about her new preschool in order to provide local parents with some insights.

What inspired you to start your own preschool?
I have always had an affinity for children. I am the oldest of four and the oldest granddaughter of 14. I have been around children my whole life. I was briefly homeschooled as a young teenager and I learned a lot during that time. I volunteered at my parents’ church, teaching Sunday school and Vacation Bible School for years. I babysat all of my cousins and neighbors. When I became a stay-at-home mother, I realized that I wanted to be able to teach my own children. I wanted to have that education experience with them. I wanted to teach them things they needed to know, champion their interests and learn alongside them. Exploring the world with each other seemed to me, a wonderful life. As I began my homeschooling journey it has quickly fueled my passion for education. Combined with my strong sense of community, it quickly led to the idea of opening a preschool.
What's the story behind the name Friendly Forest?
I was looking for a name that would convey positivity and joy. I thought about what my unique location could offer. My house is surrounded by many beautiful trees and nature, and as a bonus, the street I live on is called Forest Place.  I consider being a friend to others and nature an aspect of life that I want to teach, and I believe that children respond well to friendliness. So, Friendly Forest Preschool was decided. One of my cousins even designed the owl logo.

Your logo includes the phrase, " Learning from the heart" - what does that mean?
"Learning from the Heart" means that I try to be someone who is listening more than talking and maintaining a willingness to be flexible. It means to me that teaching isn't just about letters and numbers, it's about learning how to live life with a love of learning.  That takes more than the brain ... it takes the heart too. 
What is your educational philosophy?
My educational philosophy is about learning to love learning and figuring out the best tools for you to do that. I gravitate towards Project-based learning. Project based learning is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges. With this type of active and engaged learning, students are inspired to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they're studying. Within the Preschool sector, an example would be; while we are having circle time if while we are discussing the weather we decide that today would be a good day to spend extra time outside learning about our monthly theme, baby animals. 
While we are exploring the yard, we can talk and think about what baby animals are do outside all the time, what are similarities to how they grow up from us, other animals, etc.. Where in the yard might you find these animals, what would those animals eat out here, and so on. It’s not just about having activities to do, it’s about asking questions, taking ideas further and exploring what it all means. Nuturing the innate curiosity and desire to learn.

How would you describe your curriculum?

I am an eclectic curriculum user. I start off using the Mother Goose Time curriculum. Mother Goose Time is theme based. I also add my ideas in as well, which come from the many different methods I’ve read about including Montessori, Waldorf, project-based learning and using my own creativity. During class I teach the basics in a playful way. I look for those teaching moments that come from listening and observing what the children are doing, and then I take those opportunities to engage them further, so I may be a catalyst to instill the love for discovery even more. 

I encourage you to go online to find out more: www.friendlyforest-preschool.com

Friendly Forest Preschool is located in Issaquah.  You can see the learning space and speak with Thera during an Open House scheduled for Wednesday, February 19 from 12 pm to 8 pm.