NIDO Forest School is the latest in a growing group of outdoor schools that have been founded in response to parents who desire an education for their children that expands beyond the walls of a traditional classroom. In these classes, learning occurs naturally through meaningful relationships and spontaneous discovery. NIDO brings a unique cultural spin to the usual forest school model, by immersing children in Spanish language and Hispanic cultures.
Drawing from their combined experience and passion for progressive education, the founding teachers, Melina Gac Levin and Paulina Treviño Oliva, have developed a curriculum that, while appearing simple, is grounded in developmental theory and emotionally and culturally responsive practice.
Melina, who is both an alumna and an adjunct professor at Bank Street College of Education, hatched the idea for NIDO when she struggled to find classes for her own daughter that paired the thoughtful pedagogical underpinning she was seeking with immersion in Spanish. Knowing that in order for children to embrace a language they need to find value in it, she enlisted Paulina in developing a program focused on experiential learning through play in a rich, cultural context.
NIDO welcomes children and families of all backgrounds, regardless of their connection to Spanish, with the awareness that positive exposure to our own and other cultures can serve to build empathy and understanding.
NIDO is currently enrolling students for their inaugural Mayo/May session. Children ages 15 months to 3.5 years and their caregivers will come together on Wednesdays from 9:30-11am. This Fall, the program will expand to include other days, locations, and a wider range of ages.
You can read more about NIDO, the teachers, philosophy and register for the May session on their website nidoforest.com. Or contact Melina and Paulina directly at nidoforestschool@gmail.com.
Nido Forest School
Prospect Park
908-902-8450
