What a day looks like at BareFoot Barn nature School

As we eagerly await the arrival of all our friends, delicious snacks will be prepared and laid out for everyone to enjoy. While waiting for the school day to begin, children will have the chance to release their energy on the playground or get creative in our mud kitchen.

Whether they choose to run and play outdoors or engage in imaginative mud kitchen adventures, our young learners will have the perfect opportunity to start their day with joy and excitement. We believe in providing a welcoming and dynamic environment where children can explore, learn, and thrive from the moment they arrive.

After check-in, the children will be guided to their morning tasks, each group engaging in enriching activities that connect them with nature and foster a sense of responsibility.

Half of the class will have the opportunity to tend to our vibrant garden. They will participate in essential tasks such as watering, harvesting ripe produce, and carefully pruning plants to promote healthy growth.

Meanwhile, the other half of the class will take on the important farm chores. They will joyfully feed and water all our beloved animals, tenderly collect fresh eggs, and skillfully milk our friendly goat.

Through these hands-on experiences, our students not only deepen their understanding of sustainable practices and animal care but also cultivate a profound connection with the natural world around them.

Once daily chores are completed, our students will embark on an exciting exploration of the month's chosen study topic. Through a variety of engaging activities such as hands-on crafts, fascinating experiments, and outdoor adventures, they will delve deep into the subject matter.

Our diverse range of studies includes captivating topics such as pollination, the moon cycle, holistic medicine, our ecosystem, and much more. By immersing themselves in these enriching learning experiences, our students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them while honing their critical thinking skills and fostering a lifelong love for learning.

Following the morning studies, children will enjoy a nourishing lunch provided by their parents and have ample time for unstructured play and exploration. They'll have the freedom to choose from a variety of engaging activities, including:

• Climbing the fort to challenge their physical abilities and foster confidence.
• Exploring their creativity in the mud kitchen, where they can experiment and create imaginative concoctions.
• Relaxing and unwinding with a good book or indulging in coloring activities in our cozy huts.
• Taking a moment to rest and recharge in the hammocks, enjoying the gentle sway and soothing ambiance of nature.
• Spending quality time with our beloved animals, fostering connections and nurturing a sense of empathy and responsibility.

With a range of options available, children have the opportunity to follow their interests, recharge their energy, and continue their exploration of the natural world in a safe and supportive environment.

The class will be divided into smaller groups to engage in guided "school" studies, focusing on English and math. Children will collaborate with teachers, utilize curriculum resources, learning tools, and draw inspiration from nature and their peers to deepen their understanding of the lesson content.

Through interactive activities, hands-on experiences, and collaborative learning, students will develop essential skills and concepts in English and math while fostering teamwork and peer support.

As the day draws to a close, we conclude with a well-deserved playtime, allowing children to unwind, socialize, and engage in unstructured play. This time for free play not only promotes physical activity and social interaction but also encourages creativity, imagination, and self-expression.

By integrating structured learning with opportunities for play and exploration, we strive to provide a balanced and enriching educational experience that nurtures the whole child and inspires a lifelong love for learning.

We leverage the diverse academic and socio-emotional backgrounds of our teachers to craft dynamic learning activities that captivate students and ignite their enthusiasm for learning. Our educators and staff work collaboratively to design daily experiences that seamlessly blend academic rigor with holistic appreciation for the natural world.

By drawing on their unique expertise and experiences, our teachers create a supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to explore, question, and discover. Through hands-on activities, immersive experiences, and thoughtful discussions, we foster a deep connection to the Earth and instill in our students a profound sense of appreciation and respect for its wonders.

Together, we cultivate a learning community that celebrates diversity, encourages curiosity, and nurtures a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. Through our collective efforts, we inspire students to become compassionate, informed global citizens who are empowered to make a positive impact on the world around them.