Lovin’ Life Outside
with
Lovin' Life Outside offers outdoor play classes every season for children ages 1.5 -8 years old and their caregivers, using the Tinkergarten curriculum!
Read more about The Power of Mixed Age Play!
- The program is designed to build community over 9 weeks with the same families, however 3 class and 6 class options are available if needed.
- Families are guided through a song, a featured creature, movement, an invitation to play, and a closing circle with organic tea and a story.
- Class is 1 hour per week in-person (staying to play after class is welcomed!), plus emailed resources and a class photo album to inspire play all week long.
- Each season, children will explore one of 8 essential focus skills...
Wellness, Persistence, Creativity, Sensory, Focus, Problem Solving, Empathy, & Communication.
- Every two years, we repeat our 8-skill cycle, allowing learners to revisit core concepts at a more advanced developmental stage. End of season badges are available!
What is Tinkergarten?
Open-Ended,
Child-Led...
Kids learn best when they lead the way.
We will wonder, play, and explore, all while having fun in all four seasons!
The Tinkergarten Way of Play
There is no right or wrong way of play!
Guided play is at the heart of every Tinkergarten lesson.
This is where explorers are truly exploring and guides are guiding.
Some explorers like to sit at a distance and observe while others realize that they can interact with the tools and materials in the environment and go where their interests take them. Some explorers may enjoy exploring the outdoor classroom or collecting treasures, while some will lean more into making, creating, and pretend play. All ways are welcome! Again, there is no right or wrong way to play at Tinkergarten
and there is nothing your child "should" be doing.
Children develop and learn at their own pace so try not to compare.
You, as a guide,
have options for how to participate:
1. Observe. Watch your child.
Notice the behavioral schemas in action!
2. Co-Play! Get messy.
Help gather materials with your explorer.
Don’t worry if your child isn’t "on point"—
if something else intrigues them, allow them to explore that...
they should follow their interests!
Most Important: RELAX and HAVE FUN!
There are patterns of repeatable behavior known as "schema" that you can notice in your child's play during early childhood (~18months-age 5 or 6).
To learn more about behvioral schemas click here!
How we define play...
Play facilitation Cycle
Focus is one of the eight core skills that Tinkergarten has designed to help kids ages 1 to 8 develop—and we do it all through joyful, purposeful outdoor play. Fall of 2024 is our Focus season! We also help grown ups learn how these skills develop with additional resources and at home reading to support kids’ learning process.
We’ll follow a steady progression that is organized into 3 units:
Unit 1 (Sept 26, Oct 3 & 10)
“Our Treasures”
In lessons 1-3 we’ll zoom in on the natural treasures within our outdoor spaces.
Unit 2 (October 17, 24, & 31)
“Our Spaces”
In lessons 4-6 we’ll zoom out to notice what is happening and changing
in our biomes—up, down and all around us.
Unit 3 (November 7, 14 & 21)
“Our Focus Tools”
In lessons 7-9 we’ll zoom inwards on the “tools” and strategies
we can use to support ourselves as we focus.
Join us for Fall!
Join us for Fall!
Refer a friend!
Get $10 cash back when your friend enrolls in a full season!
Refer a friend!
Get $10 cash back when your friend enrolls in a full season!
WHEN:
Sept. 26th - Nov. 21st
Thursdays 11 am-12 pm
WHERE:
Tumalo State Park
Bend, Oregon
Please message me if the cost is keeping you from joining!
Price for 1 explorer + caregiver:
Full season (9 classes) $165
Any 6 classes $125
Any 3 classes $65
Cost is pro-rated during checkout after the season has begun.
If you use a charter school, those funds can be used for this program!
.
Siblings under 18m or over 8y:
FREE
Family full season
2 explorers $260
3+ explorers $300
Drop-in option for
family or friend:
$10 1st, $5 2nd
Tinkergarten kids receive the physical and mental benefits of increased time outdoors and build a lasting connection to nature.
As they progress through the program, they develop a strong foundation in 8 essential skills they’ll need to become creative, caring, and confident people who can thrive in a dynamic world.
We focus on one skill per season,
for a total of 8 skills over 2 years.
When you sign up for a full season you’ll receive your choice of a cotton drawstring backpack (perfect for putting those skill badges or buttons on!), a mug or an end of season skill badge for FREE!
EVERY explorer will receive a button for each season. Collect all 8!
Click here
to buy without registering!
Click here
to buy without registering!
Lovin' Life Outside
Tank tops, T-shirts, hoodies, zip-up jackets, stickers, mugs, and more!
Several choices of fabrics, sizes, and colors!
Tea
Tea
Time!
Time!
At the end of every class we close with organic herbal tea, sometimes
provided by Tumalo Tea or The Peoples Apothecary.
Mugs are available for purchase during registration (or free gift for full season enrollment!).
To buy a mug without registering click here!
They are $8 each and come in an eco-friendly cotton muslin
drawstring bag with your explorer's name written on it.
Parking:
Tumalo State Park charges a daily fee of $5
or you can purchase a
12-month pass for $30 or a 24-month pass for $50.
Outdoor School Shop + Lovin' Life Outside
have created an easy way to shop our gear checklist.
We will receive discounts and gear support through their team.
Please follow this link.
During checkout use code: LOVINLIFE
for 15% your entire full price order!
About Me
Certified Tinkergarten Leader:
Lindsay Ake
I am a mother of 5, homeschooling my 4 younger ones who prefer an outdoor classroom. I believe in being in tune with my kids and their needs,
and not pushing them to conform to formal educational norms.
I am happy to be contributing to children having the freedom to
explore, play, and grow in their outdoor environment.
I’ve been leading Tinkergarten classes every season in Central Oregon since the summer of 2022 (plus one season in San Diego in 2018).
My kids and I look forward to hanging in the dirt with you!
Connect with me!
For all things related to loving life
while raising kids outside in all weather...
If you would like to be notified of upcoming classes or have any questions, please email me! lovinlifeoutside@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram or Facebook
@LovinLifeOutside