ABSTRACT
The entrance to the kindergarten room is warm, welcoming and parent-friendly. Many kindergartens, where possible, have the kitchen area integral to the room. The room is painted in a pale pink and is sometimes decorated with seasonal branches, crafts and mobiles. The kitchen area is separated from the main room by the work surface and a small gate which prevents access to the children. The children do not play with the scene, as it is created specially by the teacher, but are encouraged to look out for special seasonal 'gifts' to bring. A move to forest kindergartens has begun in some settings, and two or more days a week may be spent entirely outdoors in the woods or fields. All activities happen in the woodland environment: tents may be constructed in rainy weather and crafts can be made from natural materials found by the children. The outside environment should be as 'natural' as possible.
