Tender Tracks: Wonder in Every Step

Learning About Our Earth

Children are natural explorers, capable of discovering and figuring out many aspects of life given the freedom and framework to do so.

We at Tender Tracks believe that by guiding each child’s inherent awe and wonder about our Earth, they grow towards greater unity to self and all life. They embrace self-respect, self-confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem. These essential qualities help children weather the many challenges that life presents. Children learn through seeing, doing and being. Tender Tracks is filled with not only seeing and doing but also allowing the time needed for integration – BEING.

The children’s days are filled with activities that develop motor skills and balance, communications skills, and stimulate of all their senses.

The art of questioning is an ongoing tool that builds the foundation of basic life skills of how to learn. The educators’ model this learning with enthusiasm, encourage investigation and problem solving.

The small group setting encourages safe exploration of their world and the development of social skills, including leadership, conflict resolution and cooperation, all in a developmentally appropriate style.

An Entirely Outdoor Preschool

Tender Tracks is 100% Outdoor Nature Awareness Preschool, designed for children ages 3 to 5. Six children attend each season, from September through June. The days and hours are determined by the child’s age.

Tender Tracks families drop off and pick up their children at a Palo Alto park. The children are transported to their many adventures in a van that is chock full of all that one needs to explore the out of doors, come rain or shine.

What if it rains? We put on boots and coats! Extra clothes are always kept in the van so the participants can change into dry things after wet or muddy adventures. Sometimes we put up a canopy or find a nice, dry nature center to visit.

Exploring Your Own Backyard

The Bay Area is our playground and schoolhouse. From the wetland marshes to the redwood forests, from county parks to wildlife preserves, we discover wonders everywhere.

Tender Trackers have a lot of fun while building a bond with the natural world. They learn about ecosystems and how to “read” nature. They hike, picnic, track animals, and learn about seasons and scat, friendly and formidable plants, first aid and friendship. The children develop habits of observation; to see the deer up close, you must be still.

Roots and Shoots

Bonding with the Earth comes by way of being in it, with it. Every day the children use their senses of touch, taste, hearing and smell. Tender Tracks children are provided with many different types of experiences to help them explore their world and develop a deep connection with it. They cook foods from nuts and berries and plant their own garden. They weave cornhusk dolls and stuff pillows with cattail seeds. On rainy days, they gather wood and make their own stick bread over the fire (safely of course!). They learn dozens of imaginative songs and keep a creative journal of their days.

Following Skilled Footsteps

Created in 1996,Tender Tracks was founded and is led by Wendolyn Bird. She has been involved in education for more than 20 years. She is a licensed Psychiatric Technician and is certified in CPR and First Aid. She is also a life-long naturalist, talented storyteller, harpist, and the mother of two grown daughters. Beyond her credentials, Wendolyn brings a devoted expertise to youngsters’ days. She cares deeply for them and, by example, teaches them to care for themselves and each other.