Forest Co-op

Hi all! I’m Amber Malek, a recent transplant to WNY from Cleveland, Ohio. I am a preschool teacher with a passion for meaningful learning and the outdoors. In our last home, I founded the SHAKER FOREST SCHOOL, a private preschool held completely outdoors. As hard as it was to leave my school behind, I am excited for new adventures in Buffalo! I currently stay home with my 2 yr old daughter Azadeh “Azi” and I am ready to start our own outdoor learning here. Would you like to join us?

My intention is to gather at 10am at JP Nicely Park on Friday mornings during the spring. I’ll lead the class through a typical rhythm of the day including morning meeting, hike to a basecamp area in the park forest, snack and story time, free play, and hike back to our meeting circle for a closing reflection. I’ll provide all learning materials including journals, colored pencils, magnifying glasses, tarps, outdoor potty, etc. Parents will be responsible for dressing their children appropriately and providing a snack for their child.

As a teacher and collaborator with our students, I’ll follow their lead and scaffold their learning. Are they super into the animals of the forest? Great! We’ll investigate that more. Are they showing interest in balancing on logs? Awesome! We’ll seek out opportune places to practice our balancing. Does one of our friends like to observe the way the leaves move? Cool! We’ll give space for observation and invite them to document what they see. The forest will collaborate with us, providing an ever-evolving classroom of materials and phenomena. As the season changes, we’ll follow their lead, too. And, it’s my hope that the parents will enjoy their time in the forest as much as the children. Are you ready yet?

Fridays April 12-May 17

10am - 12:30pm

$30 suggested supply fee (please don’t let cost be a barrier!)

If you would like to learn more, click HERE to sign be added to our contact list.

A little more about me: I hold a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University and an outdoor teaching certification from the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools. I love to learn and I love the outdoors. Previously, I was the director of a small parent-run cooperative preschool that was inspired by the Reggio Emillia teaching philosophy. During Covid, I founded the Shaker Forest School, melding several teaching pedagogies, including Waldorf and Reggio Emilia into what some call social-constructivist learning, emphasizing the collaborative nature of learning: collaboration between students with their peers, the environment & their teachers. After going outside, I couldn’t imagine returning to a regular classroom! In my spare time, I love to explore with my five children, camp, practice yoga & hit the local museums. I also dabble in family portraiture. I’m eager to meet you!