Ece Demirtaş
Meltem group teacher
The person families ask most during the little ones' settling-in. Known for her songs, stories and patience.
In her pocket: a magnifier, tissues, spare gloves
MeltemAge 3–4 (36–48 months)
A first meeting with the forest: slow, safe and full of play.
For children meeting school and the forest for the first time. In Meltem the day is built around short walks, long play and frequent breaks. First we learn the boundaries, the sounds and the whistle; then the path grows a little longer each week.
At most 14 children, 2 teachers; a 600 m walk every day.
Meltem: the soft, cool breeze that blows from sea to land.
Meltem is the youngest group at school. For a three-year-old the forest is big, the sounds are new, and cold and wet can be scary. So in the first weeks we use only one corner of the grounds: the log circle, the big oak and the shelter. Once the child feels safe in this triangle, we widen the boundary.
Most of the day in Meltem is free play. Teachers do not run the play; they offer materials, ask questions and join in when needed. The pot in the mud kitchen, a leaf falling into a puddle, a woodlouse found under a log become the lesson plan of the day.
Settling in and toileting
Children do not need to be fully toilet trained to start Meltem; being close to dry during the day is enough. We plan the settling-in period with each family and welcome the parent at school in the first week.
Weekly rhythm
- MondayGrounds tour: big oak, log circle, shelter
- TuesdayMud kitchen and water play
- WednesdayShort path walk (300–600 m)
- ThursdayGarden day: soil, worms, seedlings
- FridaySongs and stories in the shelter
The Meltem teachers
Burak Önal
Meltem group teacher · tool workshop
The son of a carpenter. He set up the tool workshop; children hold their first saw beside him.
In his pocket: a pocket knife (closed), string, gloves