A HOME-BASED PRESCHOOL IN PORTLAND, MAINE
nature | nurture | connect
Why put nature at the heart of education?
We are, first and foremost, children of the earth-our connection to the natural world is wired into the essence of each one of us. A curriculum centered around nature offers unlimited opportunities for children to explore and create. Increased documentation over the years has shown the value of learning through the lens of natural world; not only do children perform better academically and have improved physical fitness, but, even more importantly, the nature-and-play approach builds resiliency, encourages curiosity, and fosters meaningful relationships with nature and our community. Nurturing your child’s passions, play, and core routines drive the learning culture at Small Meadows, and teach respect for self and others and reverence for our home planet.
a bit more
We are a small, intimate, preschool encouraging children to flex their muscles and explore nature play either in our own backyard play area and garden, or in the forest of nearby Auburn Woods. We focus on mindfulness, awareness, observation and empathy in our relations with each other and with the natural world. We play, explore, sing, build, imagine and create immersed into the seasonal rhythms.
We weave early literacy and number sense into our program, wherever appropriate, through playbased activities, species identification, stories, and counting activities.
“Passion is lifted from the earth itself by the muddy hands of the young; it travels along grass-stained sleeves to the heart.”
about us
christina grace
Early Childhood Teacher
Christina has been an early-childhood teacher and co-learner, working in a variety of educational environments for over ten years, including the Reggio Emilia approach and Montessori method.
Proficient in Spanish, Christina brings language immersion to Small Meadows, believing in the benefits of early exposure to a foreign language. She’s an animal-welfare advocate, recognized equestrian, and mother.
She is passionate about developing leadership skills through safely challenging children to have confidence in one’s self and consideration for others. She has a playful teaching style and is always up for an adventure.
Christina loves horseback riding, going to her son’s sporting events throughout New England, and travelling- especially to Ireland, her heart-home.
erin crozier
Substitute Mentor
Erin Crozier is in her senior year at University of Maine studying Child Development and Family Services.
An experienced nanny and tutor, she understands the importance of allowing children to be guided by their own curiosity and imagination to learn new concepts.
She loves her dog, Denali- her favorite hiking partner, can build a fabulous fairy-house, and is thoughtful, patient, and absolutely hilarious.