Forest Class ****at the Learning Gardens embraces the magic of nature as our classroom. Join us on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for enriching outdoor experiences. Forest class is best for kids aged 4 - 12. Parents are welcome to stay or drop off kids 6 and older. Kids under 6 must have an adult stay during the class.
On Wednesdays, our focus is on creating a herbarium, where students press plant specimens, documenting their unique features and specific details to encourage curiosity and botanical exploration.
Fridays are dedicated to creating a nature collection, which we house in recycled egg crates and record in our journals.
Our philosophy is to provide a safe space for kids to explore, play, and learn valuable lessons in permaculture, sustainability, and native species. Mixed-age learning promotes mutual growth, where everyone learns from each other. Our day begins with a full group circle, setting intentions, character building using the 7 Habits of Happy Kids, and ends with reflections on the day’s adventures and recognizing the Explorer of the Week. Each week, we focus on conservation topics, garden projects, and free play on the Learning Loop. Join us in nurturing a love for nature and lifelong learning!
On Wednesdays the kids will work on their herbariums.
A community member sharing her nature collection. On Fridays we will focus on creating individual nature collections.
11 am - 2 pm Wednesday and Friday Forest Class Schedule
Time | Wednesday: Herbarium | Friday: Nature Collection |
---|---|---|
11:00 AM - 11:10 AM | Arrive. Work on previous weeks herbarium. | Arrive. Free time or self guided activity. |
11:10 AM - 11:30 AM | Morning Circle: Character Building | Morning Circle: Character Building |
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Hike: Herbarium: Find the plant of the week! | Hike: Nature Collection: Find something to add to your nature collection! |
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM | Lunch together at the kitchen | Lunch together at the kitchen |
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Activities: | |
Record plant specimen/ Herbarium | ||
Garden Activity | ||
Free time | Activities: | |
Record the nature collection item | ||
Garden Activity | ||
Free time | ||
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM | Clean up | Clean up |
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM | Closing Circle: Character Building! Announce Explorer of the Week! | Closing Circle: Character Building! |
Announce Explorer of the Week! |