Blüemli Forest Group – Zurich Witikon
Connected with Nature
From 2 years old until kindergarten entry
The forest group at Blüemli Daycare combines daily nature experiences with bilingual education in German and English – for children from 2 years old until kindergarten entry in Zurich Witikon.
Programme and Pedagogy
Our forest group makes daily time in the forest a central part of our educational work. It offers children from 2 years old numerous benefits for their physical, mental and social development. In nature, children explore and experience the environment with all their senses. They feel the ground beneath their feet, smell the fresh forest air, hear the birds singing, and see how nature changes with the seasons.
Playing in the forest group develops children’s motor skills as they balance over roots, climb rocks, and explore different surfaces. The unstructured forest environment stimulates their creativity and imagination. For example, a stick can become a magic wand, a pine cone a treasure, or a tree trunk a bridge. This type of free play strengthens problem solving skills and gives children the space to experiment and bring their own ideas to life.
Daily time in the forest group also supports social learning. Children learn to interact in a group, help one another, and show consideration. They develop a natural respect for the environment and learn to handle plants and animals mindfully. Being in nature gives them a sense of calm and well being, contributing to a balanced and relaxed daily routine.
Also see: SRF Knowledge – Forest Kindergartens
Daily Schedule
Children are cared for by 3 to 4 childcare staff.
07:00 – 08:30 Arrival and free play
08:30 – 08:40 Morning circle
08:40 – 09:00 Morning snack
09:00 – 11:30 Forest Activities
11:30 - 12:00 Lunch
12:00 - 12:15 Personal care
12:15 - 14:00 Rest time or nap
14:00 – 15:30 Forest activities
15:30 - 16:00 Afternoon snack
16:00 – 17:00 Free play or guided activities
17:00 – 18:30 Free play
16:00 – 18:30 Pick-up time
Special Features:
Swimming: Monday – Children from 2 years go swimming; children not participating spend the time in the forest.
Gym: Friday – Children from 2 years attend the gym.
Activities
Daily Forest Activities
- Nature Exploration: Discovering plants, animals and natural phenomena in the forest.
- Identifying Animals in the Forest: Discovering animals in their natural habitat, such as birds, insects, squirrels, or snails.
- Tracking: Identifying and interpreting animal tracks, such as footprints or bite marks on branches.
- Listening to Animal Sounds: Together, listen and identify the sounds of different animals, such as birdsong or the rustling of small forest creatures.
- Collecting natural materials such as leaves, pine cones, or stones for later creative projects.
- Sensory Experiences: Barefoot paths with moss, sand, or gravel.
- Outdoor Adventures: Climbing on tree trunks, balancing on branches, or climbing hills.
Movement Development
- Gym Activities: Games and exercises to strengthen motor skills, such as ball games, climbing, or balancing.
- Outdoor Movement Games: Obstacle courses using natural materials or relay races in the forest.
- Swimming: Weekly sessions to develop water confidence and self assurance.
Language Development
- German & English Development: Playful immersion in both languages through songs, rhymes, and stories. Language skills are actively supported through storytelling, picture books, and everyday conversations.
Practical Activities
- Cooking and Baking: Children help prepare simple snacks such as fruit salad, cookies, or bread.
- Everyday Tasks: Watering plants, small woodworking activities, or collecting and sorting materials.
Creative Activities
- Crafts with Natural Materials: Creating artworks from leaves, branches, stones, or clay.
- Colour Experiences: Painting with brushes or hands, experimenting with mixed colours.
Music and Rhythm
- Musical Instruments: Playing age-appropriate instruments such as drums, xylophone, or sound bars.
- Singing: Singing songs together, often related to the season or forest experiences.
- Movement to Music: Dancing, clapping, and stomping to the rhythm of music.
Books and Stories
- Story Circles: Listening to and acting out stories, often inspired by forest experiences.
- Picture Books: Viewing books that focus on nature and animals.
Rest
- Quiet Moments in the Forest: Listening to natural sounds, relaxing on blankets or loungers in the shade.
- Relaxation at the Daycare: Cozy reading corner with cushions and books for a short break.
Shared Mealtimes
- Forest Picnics: Eating outdoors with self-prepared meals.
- Healthy Snacks: Children help prepare plates of fruits and vegetables.
- Sensory Experiences: Children learn to consciously explore new tastes and textures.
For children from 3 months, we offer loving care in our Baby Group baby group. Here you will also find an overview of our diverse activities Activities and our values..