Frequently Asked Questions

What is class like at TOAD School?

Type and amount of daily structure?
The amount of structure in each class varies according to the needs of the children on each day. Typically there are two structured circle times during the 2-hour class that last for anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Snack time is another semi-structured activity that usually lasts a similar amount of time.

Do you incorporate academics into the routine?
All of our structured activities are built around learning objectives that are carefully researched and agreed upon by the teachers as developmentally appropriate for each unique group of students.

How many classes per quarter?
We generally schedule 11 weeks of classes per quarter with the intention of meeting at least 10 times. Teacher illness or emergency might mean either the cancellation of class or meeting without a teacher at an agreed upon location.

Who is outdoor school intended for?

Outdoor & nature schools can be created for individuals of any age. TOAD School is designed to include parents & their kids, up to 5 years old.

How much parent involvement is expected?

Parents are expected to be present and actively participate during all TOAD School classes. Off-topic discussions between parents are discouraged during class time, as they detract from the learning objectives (distract the kids).

"Parents' night out" is a get together for parents & teachers once per quarter, where everyone can chit chat and ask all the questions they want. The School's Facebook group is also a great place to pose questions to the teachers in between meetings.

What are 3 benefits of outdoor school?

1. Natural body movements

2. Socio-emotional development

3. Comfort with being outdoors

Safety from dangers outside? First-aid readily available?

Basic first-aid is available on site, and teachers have discussed environmental risk and evacuation plans.

Basic philosophy for policies on sharing and behavior management?

Sharing at TOAD School involves allowing other students access to something when you are finished with it, but we do not give students time limits on playing with items they are actively engaged with. We generally narrate for the kids what we perceive to be happening, acknowledging any emotions they have that comes along with their interactions with others. For example: "You seem to be frustrated that Jenny is drawing with that stick because you are also interested in playing with it. When she's done with it, you're welcome to use it."

If an interaction between children takes place that one child does not like, we first ask the students to use their words, then move away, and then get an adult if the action by another child is not stopping. We will defer to the parent if behavior escalates beyond this.

What are the qualifications of the teachers?

The teachers' qualifications vary widely, but they all have extensive experience working with young children. Please see their individual profiles on the Leaders page for more details.

What is your teaching philosophy?

TOAD School is built on the foundational belief that every child can develop ability if they are taught in the same way that they learned their native language. This "mother tongue method" relies on an environment of mentors, a social imperative to learn the subject, and an uninhibited biological reflex.

The primary goal of the TOAD School teachers is to model curiosity and our own learning process, demonstrating an interest in expanding our communication skills and developing relationships with others in the outdoor school community.