Forest School

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 

Our suggested age is 6-12 but with another teacher joining the team this session we are also welcoming younger siblings (ages 4-6) to join their older siblings for Forest School. They must be confident without a parent, fully able to use the bathroom independently, and be able to follow all rules and safety directions. Feel free to reach out before registering with any questions or concerns. Email Katie at littlegardenplay@gmail.com

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 and build community through collaboration, group learning, inquiry, discussion, mindfulness, and so on. Our facilitators 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 observation, etc.

2. Unstructured, self-directed play: This time is central to our day as play is crucial for learning and growth. Within our safety boundaries, this time is left completely open for students to play and explore however they desire. Sometimes it looks like running through the woods, building a shelter, making a new trail, water play, mud kitchen play, arts and crafts, and so on. 

3. Project work: After a morning of play in nature, we gather at “The Nest” studio 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. Forest School is a collaborative team effort between each child that attends and our facilitators. Our closing circle gives space for children to share feedback and be active participants in our communal class. 

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 not attending FS are welcome to stay on site but must remain with a parent at all times.

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. 

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 

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

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. 

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.