When you think about the word ‘environment‘, what comes to mind?
There is the
physical environment - the
visible space that surrounds us. This is what we can see, feel, smell, hear and touch. In a child's life, this would be the learning environment, toys, playground, home, and nature that surrounds them.
But there is also the
hidden environment – the
invisible space. This is the culture, country and social context in which we grow up, the noise that surrounds us, the food we eat and the amount and quality of our sleep, as well as the relationships, connections, and community of which we are a part. We are fully immersed in this space.
Together, visible and invisible spaces shape our sense of belonging, being and becoming.
Here at WonderTree, we recognize the interconnection and importance of the relationship between the environment and the learner. With this concept in mind, we have created a nurturing and inspiring community for children. Much like the home environment, here, children can learn and grow in a safe, inviting, and positive atmosphere where everyone feels understood and at ease.
Every aspect of the WonderTree environment was selected thoughtfully-- from the lighting, to the windows, to the color of the walls, in order to enhance and inspire learning. We choose the aspects of our environment carefully because we place high value on aesthetics, mindfulness, communication and interaction. Curious what this environment might look like? Let's visit WonderTree and witness endless opportunities for learning.
Learning Environment
Our learning environments are beyond the ordinary, with bright, open spaces, everything at a convenient and safe child height, interactive walls, water filters, Dreamer air filters from Germany [http://dreamer.de], wooden toys, and heated floors for winter days. Each element of the learning environment was selected with love, care and child safety in mind.
ArtFun expression
A bright, airy space where children are free to explore, create, and be innovative. This space features potter's wheels and easels as well as child-height sinks and organic soap for the dirty little hands that result from such fun and creativity.
ScienceRocks exploration
As part of a comprehensive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) education, we provide a safe and educationally rich science area, where children can play and explore science in a guided and exciting way. Children are invited to practice trial and error as part of making scientific experiments with their peers.
Sensory discovery
Here, children are encouraged to learn through play, specifically by interacting hands-on. Sensory discovery offers children the chance to see, touch, and hear objects as they learn how to navigate their world. As they play, they strengthen their motor skills, kinesthetic and social-emotional development. Children can also use the sensory room to have a quiet moment to themselves.
BeWell area
As part of a healthy lifestyle, our BeWell area is an inviting open space for practicing yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, playing music, dancing, and more. It is a multifunction room where anything can happen.
LanguageFlows reading space
A love of reading can light the spark of learning for children. Our reading space offers reading material for a wide range of ages and interests, encouraging children to quiet their minds and explore another world on the page and on the scene, by spontaneously acting out small-scale dramas as they see fit.
Piazza
Our most comprehensive indoor space, the Piazza combines a community gathering space with all the coziness of your home living room. Here, we hold special events, educational talks, family workshops and more. For those chilly Beijing days, the Piazza features an electric fireplace. This area also has a kitchen, where children can make their own healthy meals and snacks, and a large, child-height stage that is always accessible, allowing for creative performances at any time.
Lending Library
In this space, WonderTree families are invited to provide toys and books that children can borrow until they are ready to return them. A community area such as this one helps children understand the importance of reusing materials and sharing with one another. This system works best with the active participation of parents and children committed to sustainable living and a strong sense of community.
Culture Corner
As part of a rich international community, our culture corner hosts paper cutting, origami making, holiday craft-making and more. Here we can celebrate Chinese holidays and traditions, as well as special events representing cultures around the world.
Outdoor space
Our outdoor space provides children with varied opportunities for exciting physical play, from our green space to our learning garden, where they can bring a plant from seed to flower with their own hands. The playground, with slides, swings, a water pump, sandbox, and treehouse, encourages children to actively and safely learn the value of healthy competition and facing challenges, all the while bringing them closer to nature.