Forest School

Ages 6-12yrs

Forest School is fully immersive, nature-based enrichment program for homeschoolers ages 6-12. This hands-on, inquiry led class aims to grow within each child a love for nature and learning.

Classes take place from our homestead in the woods that offers a rich learning environment from acres of forest with seasonal streams, permaculture gardens, small farm animals, art studio, and a bouldering wall.

Activities range based on students interests, ages of those attending, and the season. These activities could look like structure building, plant and animal studies, mud kitchen play, gardening and permaculture studies, foraging, farm animal care, wood working, primitive skills, wild animal tracking, trail building, climbing trees, hiking, creative play, and so on. Art and creativity are core to all we do with weekly creative projects (oftentimes led by the students questions and interests) such as wood working, fine art, handwork, nature crafts, and more. In addition, each student keeps a nature journal to document their studies and observations.

Our class facilitators are mentors, supporting each child in their interests, inquiries, and project ideas while modeling curiosity, wonder, and creative thinking. Our experiential approach and nature-based framework meet the development of the whole-child. We remain flexible following the child and class interests, not a set box of standards or academic measurements.

Program information

Before registering please read through our program information

Program Requirements

All participants must be

Willing to participate in the activities we offer (i.e. comfortable getting dirty and being outdoors in all weather)
Able to follow basic instructions and safety rules
Have appropriate outdoor gear for the season

The Four Cornerstones of Forest School

Within our daily rhythm there are four cornerstones that together build the foundation for self-directed learning through play, exploration, and collaboration.

1. Morning circle: This is a time to gather together and build community through collaboration, group learning, discussion, mindfulness, nature journaling, and so on. Our facilitator may introduce a seasonal topic or we may explore a subject the group has expressed interest in. This can look like a combination of games, nature journaling, group activities, a nature walk, hands-on observations, etc.

2. Unstructured, self-directed play: This time is the most important and valued part of our day at Forest School as play is crucial for learning. Within our safety boundaries, this time is left completely open for children to play and explore however they desire. This could look like mud kitchen creating, structure building, trail building, climbing, arts and crafts, etc.

3. Project work: After a morning of play in nature, we gather together again at our gazebo shelter or in our studio art space to further explore topics, grow skills, and bring ideas to life. The goal is that this time would be primarily child-led but we do provide support as needed. The possibilities of how to use this time are endless from woodworking, handwork art, fine art, building, crafts, survival skill practice, group projects, nature journaling and observations, loose parts creations, nature creations, rock climbing on our bouldering wall, gardening, etc. Oftentimes a project idea may grow from their play or be a continuation of their play earlier that day. All along the way our facilitators are there to help mentor, teach skills, and guide each child towards work that is meaningful for them.

4. Closing circle: Here we share a nature story, recap our day, and set goals/share ideas for the following week. We see Forest School as a collaborative team effort between each child that attends and our facilitators. This provides space for responsibility, gives purpose to all involved, and grows self-confidence.

Drop-Off Policy

Parents or caregivers are welcome to drop off or stay on site. For parents who stay we ask that you watch from a distance, except for special circumstances that should be discussed with our director prior to the start of class. We've found that the more distance that parents give, the more creativity and collaboration that happens for the entire class. Regardless if a parent is on site or not, all children should have a backpack with everything they need for the day

Young siblings are welcome to stay on site but must remain with a parent at all times.

Mixed Age Group

Our environment is one where collaboration and working together are highly valued. This is more likely to happen in a mixed-age environment as the students can be a "family of learners" where the older children have the opportunity to be mentors and the younger children learn from observing the older.

Research has shown that students in multi-age classrooms were found to have higher self-esteem, more positive self-concepts, less anti-social behavior, and better attitudes and emotional regulation over time.

Upcoming Sessions

Spring Session

Join us for our 8 week spring session where we explore all the season has to offer through observation, inquiry, and hands-on projects.

Mondays 10:30-2:30pm CST

March 10th- May 5th- No class 4/7 for spring break

Cost:

$160 for all 8 weeks or $25 per drop-in class

20% sibling discount

Required spring gear: Rain boots and rain jacket. Rain pants/bibs not required but highly suggested (especially for our younger friends)

Registration will open to the public 1/1/25. Anyone enrolled in our winter session or fall 2024 session will receive an email mid-December for priority registration.

Winter Session

We're offering three special winter classes with a subject and skill focus for each. Our first hour and a half or so is unstructured play time. We will then build a fire, cook a snack over the fire, make tea, and move into project work. If the weather is extra cold, class may move indoors for part of the second half.

Class Schedule: Mondays 12-3pm CST*

Monday 12/2 : Animal Tracking + Winter Habitat Building

Monday 1/6: Bird Watching + Storytelling Fire Circle

Monday 2/3: Evergreen Tree Identification + Nature Journaling

*Extended the time by 1 hour to ensure we can fit everything in

Cost:

$25 per class or $70 for all three classes

20% sibling discount

Required winter gear: A synthetic/wool base layer, fleece, insulated waterproof jacket, snow pants, full coverage warm hat, waterproof gloves/mittens, warm socks, and snow boots. Snow gear isn't just for the snow but is the best way to stay insulated in the cold. Layers are key as the weather can fluctuate drastically.

Special Weather Policy: We will meet in all weather unless the roads are too dangerous for travel. Fingers crossed we can get a snowy day to sled and play in! Children must be comfortable being out in the cold.

What to Bring:

-Water bottle with water (a thermos with a warm drink is recommended but not required)

-A snack if desired (we will cook a snack over the fire that is included but students are welcome to bring another snack along in case they are still hungry)

-Winter gear (see above)

CLASS FULL- Registration Closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at littlegardenplay@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Where do these classes take place?

Friday Forest School meets at our private property, which is located 12 mins outside of Leitchfield off of Grayson Springs Road: 100 Wilderness Dr. Clarkson KY 42726

Do you offer a trial class?

As of right now the closest thing to a trial class is our free playgroup that meets once a month. Though it is less formal than our class it will give you an idea if this class will be a good fit for your child. Find more info: https://littlegardenschool.com/playgroup-0-12yrs

What if my child is sick or we have to miss class?

Please keep them home. A child may not attend if they have or have had a fever in the last 24 hours or have any symptom of illness that may spread to others.

No refund will be given for missed classes

If the teacher needs to cancel class more than once due to personal illness or a personal emergency we will do our best to reschedule or a class credit will be offered.

What is your weather policy?

We meet rain or shine. Classes move inside in cases of severe weather unless it is too dangerous to drive then class will be cancelled. Severe is defined as thunderstorms, dangerously high winds, torrential downpour, ice storms, temperatures below 25F degrees, or an excessive heat index.