There are few good stories to come out of this year, but one is certainly the story of The Little Treehouse Nursery.
The founders, Renika and Tricia, had their plans to build their dream, green school interrupted by the Global Pandemic. Facing the same heartbreak so many have faced during this time, they decided to go through with it, despite the whole process being hindered in many ways.
“We just thought, if we don’t do it now and follow through, we will keep on putting it off. So – it was very challenging, but we got it done – somehow!”
Under strict social distancing, they pursued the development of their space in Thong Lor, which has needed immense renovations and redevelopment. They sought to create their nature-inspired, homely paradise for children in their early years.
“We are both teachers and mums and wanted to create a homely atmosphere for the kids, which, for them, could be like a second home.”
The result is just that. The Little Treehouse Nursery feels like the big house you loved to visit when you were younger! Your friend’s house which was so much more fun than yours.
They have excellent facilities, natural light beaming into the classrooms, a beautiful garden playground, and perhaps the most impressive feature: the “sensory playground”.
In this atmospheric space, there is grass turf laid out, a wall of plotted plants, a sandpit and a bamboo wall. Here, children play activities with water and sand to engage their senses. Children absorb more information when their sense are engaged, and The Little Treehouse Nursery believe a child’s education can’t be separated from nature.
“Our philosophy is to nurture children who have an awareness and appreciation of nature, because we believe that nature gives us all the sense of balance we need in our lives.”
This nature-inspired philosophy runs right through the school, and is reflected in the kids’ food menu too. They get homecooked, plant-based meals.
“There are not many nature-based schools here in Bangkok, but we want our kids to be in love with nature. Our menu is plant based and me and Tricia have been plant based our entire lives.”
The Little Treehouse Nursery have grown to around 20 children, and they have space for another 40. The passion from the owners is evident, and they’re constantly making improvements to the interior. A child’s learning environment is a key player in them reaching their learning potential, and The Little Treehouse Nursery are very aware of that.
The facilities and learning tools, which are sourced internationally, as well as locally, are impressive and varied. These include a range of “loose parts” and Montessori style learning materials. They have a room dedicated to art projects, and their own little library.
Each child’s “learning journey” is recorded, and updated every two weeks with new pictures and comments from the teacher. These portfolios are very meaningful, and, as parents, it was very heart-warming to flick through them.
It’s amazing to think that this school would be regarded as an alternative, niche school. Environmental consciousness is not yet widespread, but it’s a rising force in the world and it’s time to get on board. Children can learn to care for the world around them from a very early age and The Little Treehouse Nursery recognize this – it’s part of their vision.
“Our goal is to create a green school, and instill sustainability into children from a young age through hands-on activities. One example of this is our compost bins. We teach children the journey of a flower and how it grows, and how we have a part to play in the continuation of life on this earth.”
You can find The Little Treehouse Nursery on Soi Thong Lor 19 and they currently have an open house. If you’re contemplating options for your child, and you’re interested in a nature-inspired “green school”, contact them via the link below!
- Location: Soi Thong Lor 19
Address: 41/2 Soi Akhraphat, Khlong Tan, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
- Phone: 089 922 5667
- Hours: Open Monday-Friday 8AM – 3.30PM
