Location
The majority of our days will unfold amidst our Wandering Willows location in Payson. Each season, we will venture to discover a new trail, giving our kiddos four field trip days to convene at designated trail locations. On trail days classes will meet at the designated trail location.
Daily flow
Morning check in and grounding
Stories/folklore
Free play
Lesson
Free play
Art/Journaling
Reading circle
Snack/Reflection
Curriculum
We believe children learn through hands-on experiences with nature, as such we flow organically with nature’s changing seasons, with short structured lessons, along with lots of free play and exploring.
Seasonal activities/lessons to look forward to
Autumn
- Seasonal folklore stories/songs
- Pumpkin carving
- Leaf art
- Miniture Stonehenge
- Peg carving
- Fairy shelters
- Garden planning
- Native plants and animals
- Autumn Equinox celebration
Winter
- Seasonal folklore stories/songs
- Herbal healing
- Stick and pine cone painting
- Compass treasure hunt
- Snow architecture
- Winter Solstice Celebration
Spring
- Seasonal folklore stories/songs
- Captive rearing butterflies
- Planting seeds
- Herbal healing
- Wildflower bouquets
- Egg incubation
- Earth day birthday celebration
- Mud kitchen
- Native plants and animals lesson
- Worm farm
- Spring Equinox celebration
Summer
- Seasonal folklore stories/songs
- Natural water filtration
- Herbal care for cuts and stings
- Natural bug sprays
- Herbal teas and their benefits
What to Bring
Please ensure that all items are labeled with your child’s name.
Everyday
Water bottle (stainless steel is recommended for reuse.)
Snack (healthy and nutritious to sustain kiddos)
Water/Mud Days
Change of clothes for the ride home
Sunny Days
Ensure to apply sunscreen and bug spray before the start of school if desired
Comfortable shoes that stay on while child is at play (tennis shoes, water sandals WITH HEEL STRAPS, water shoes etc.)
Cold/Wet Days
Appropriate clothing layers. Layers are more comfortable and convenient for helping your child regulate their temperature.
Second pair of clothing, socks (wool or thermal will keep piggy toes most comfortable), and mittens.
*Mittens underneath waterproof gloves is a good way to keep hands cozy, as well as a second pair to ensure your child stays comfortable.
Pants that have ankle cinches
Coat that cinches at the wrist (layers are beneficial to keep warmth in and water out)
Waterproof and insulated boots
Fleece or wool hat