Welcome to TimberNook
Dear St. Francis Families,
We are excited to offer TimberNook programming for students in Kindergarten through Grade 6. TimberNook provides children with a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and develop through imaginative outdoor play. We would like to share a brief overview of the program and what your child can expect on their TimberNook day each week.
TimberNook is an award-winning nature-based program designed to support children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through creative free play. Each session begins with a story or activity designed to spark imagination and curiosity, followed by ample time for child-directed play. During this time, children are encouraged to explore, create, problem-solve, move their bodies, and engage with their peers using a variety of open-ended materials and natural elements.
Because TimberNook emphasizes independent, imaginative play, children are not given step-by-step instructions on how to use materials or whom to play with. This intentional approach encourages initiative, creativity, confidence, and collaboration. While children are given the freedom to navigate their own play experiences, trained TimberNook staff remain present at all times to support safety, facilitate when necessary, and ensure the well-being of every participant.
Children may encounter opportunities to take age-appropriate risks within a carefully managed environment. Activities may include climbing, balancing, building, using simple tools, or exploring natural features of the outdoor setting. Learning to assess and manage risk is an important part of healthy development and helps children build judgment, resilience, and confidence.
As part of their outdoor experience, children may interact with natural materials such as sticks, leaves, mud, water, snow, and other elements they discover in the environment. We encourage this type of sensory-rich play because of its many developmental and therapeutic benefits. As a result, children may occasionally become dirty or wet during a session.
TimberNook sessions are approximately two hours long and take place entirely outdoors throughout the year. Programs are held in most weather conditions, including light rain, making appropriate clothing essential. Dressing in layers is recommended year-round. During colder months, children should wear winter gear, including hats, gloves, coats, snow pants, and winter boots. On rainy days, rain jackets and waterproof footwear are strongly encouraged.
To ensure children are comfortable throughout the day, each participant should arrive prepared with the following items:
- Gym uniform or school-approved outdoor clothing (as determined by your school)
- Weather-appropriate layers and outerwear
- Water bottle
- Sturdy footwear, such as sneakers or boots
- A complete change of clothes in a labeled plastic bag
A change of clothing should remain at school and will be used only if needed. Any soiled clothing will be sent home at the end of the day. While changes of clothing are infrequently required, having a spare set available helps ensure children can comfortably participate in all activities.
We are thrilled to bring the joy, creativity, and adventure of TimberNook to your children. If you have any questions about the program, please contact the school office or your TimberNook coordinator.
Sincerely,
The TimberNook Team
Is TimberNook play worthwhile?
TimberNook programming fosters imaginative play which is a legitimate and necessary occupation for students and is significantly different from playground or recess play. TimberNook is truly educational because it serves as a lab in which children practice the many physical, social, and emotional skills they are learning in the classroom and at home, including leadership, balance and coordination, problem-solving, creativity, attention, and emotional regulation.
Do activities vary based on grade?
Some TimberNook play experiences are suitable for a specific grade range while others are appropriate for all ages, so the weekly theme at St. Francis may be either the same or different across the grades depending on which curriculum is being used.
What is your temperature policy?
Similar to recess, TimberNook classes will be cancelled when the “feels like” temperature is below 20 degrees.
What is your inclement weather policy?
Similar to recess, TimberNook classes will be held outdoors in all regular weather including light rain and light snow. The children will be exposed to various elements within the natural shelter of the woods. Students must have a rain coat in wet weather. As the children’s safety is always our first priority, unsafe weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow, a thunderstorm, or strong wind will result in TimberNook classes being canceled.
What happens if my child does not have the proper clothing for TimberNook?
Parents will be notified if at all possible. If the school is unable to make contact with the parent then the child will be kept indoors and given a book to read. We do not have alternative programming in place for students who do not have the proper attire.
Where will the TimberNook activities take place?
TimberNook classes will be held entirely in the woods adjacent to St. Francis School in a dedicated outdoor learning space close in proximity to the main building.
Are the TimberNook woods contained and how many adults will be with the children?
The boundaries of the TimberNook woods are clearly marked and two teachers will be present at all times.
Does the TimberNook space border the Merrimack River?
No, our TimberNook woods do not border the river and do not contain any natural running water.