Why Forest School?
Here's why!
With nature and art at our center, we prioritize rigor and creativity across the disciplines. We are inspired by a unique blend of learner-centered philosophies that enable a wholistic education and go well beyond content to understanding and application. Above all, we make learning an adventure and a preparation for life. Our guiding principles are inspired by:
Montessori:
for independence,
structure, and academic
readiness
Reggio Emilia:
for creativity, collaboration, and child-led projects
Waldorf:
for imagination, rhythm, and a strong connection to nature
We focus on a learner’s individual journey toward intellectual curiosity, emotional connections, and work of the hand. We believe this supports mental as well as physical well-being and establishes a pathway to lifelong learning.
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At our Williamsburg, Virginia farm and in our brick and mortar classrooms, we are committed to:
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strong and independent academic mastery
environmental stewardship and literacy
community engagement
creative expression
work of the hand
practical life skills
real-life problem solving
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We believe in learning through doing, following and supporting the interests and passions of the children and teens with whom we work.
What we do...
We save the space for wonder. We open the gate of curiosity. We support active and authentic learning and provide pathways of connection.
But what do these things have to do with the necessary 21st century skills needed for our young people to succeed? Everything!
Through our emergent curricula and programming, we look to inquiry and project-based education as our foundation. While we carefully prepare our indoor classroom, we also partner with nature, as both a teacher and a learning environment. We celebrate the systems and challenges provided by nature, having found that its experiences and lessons are personally satisfying and also fulfill an educational purpose.
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Well-executed learning experiences, especially those that revolve around questions of wonder, give learners an authentic way to build transferable, 21st century skills. These include:
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Adaptability
Critical thinking
Creative thinking
Collaboration
Community working
Flexibility
Initiative
Social Skills
Productivity
Leadership
Discussion
Cooperation
Three Pillars of our Hands-on Programming...
. . . support our unique and rigorous curriculum, in which core subjects are bolstered through the important work of the hand and heart, as well as the mind.
Observation & Philosophy
Our work at Williamsburg Forest School is informed by observations, research, education, training, and experience. Here is what we see and know:
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Learning starts with discovery, moves through exploration, and solidifies through innovative applications – the doing part!
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Learning satisfies and endures if applied by the power of the individual.
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We learn and find our true selves when we connect through the head, heart, and hand.
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To be successful, we need to be adaptable problem solvers, creative thinkers, community stewards, and independent lifelong learners.
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We are satisfied when we are engaged.
How we do it...
Work of the hand: Examples of curriculum tie-ins:
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Handcrafted Journals
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ELA – reflective writing
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Science – observation
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Math – measurement and assembly
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Social Studies – Legacy, preservation, heritage trade, story of writing
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Art – color theory, design
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Health and Wellness – emotional reflection, small motor skill development, ocular development
Handcrafted broom – whittled handle/tied broom sedge
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Science – environmental impacts, nature’s superheroes, decomposition, material properties
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Math – percentages, measurement
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Social Studies – heritage and cultural crafts, material cultures (anthropology)
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Art – decorative arts
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Health and Wellness – hand eye coordination, safety, satisfaction in repetition, hygiene, productivity and usefulness
Soap
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Math – proportions, measurement
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Science – chemistry of soap and its functions
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Social Studies – heritage and cultural crafts
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Art – sculpting, mixed media
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Health and Wellness – hand eye coordination, safety, hygiene, foundational skills
Dipped Candles
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Science – chemistry, environmental (bees)
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Math – measurement
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Social Studies – pre-industrial revolution, heritage crafts
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Health and Wellness – choice in sustainable resources (beeswax, non-lead wicks), repetition, exactness/free form, sensorial (smell and feel), self-control
Butter & Cheese
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Science – chemical reaction
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Social Studies – history of farming, diet staples
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Health and Wellness – pros and cons of cholesterol, lactose tolerance and intolerance, organic and sustainable principles in animal agriculture, food security and purity
Flower Crafts
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Science – dissection, pollination
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Math – fractions, symmetry, asymmetry
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Art – Art in Nature, flower pounding
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Health and Wellness – aroma therapy, potpourri
Felting
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Science – nature of fibers and transformation
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Drama – story characters
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Art – fiber art, sculpting
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Health and Wellness – repetition, creativity, texture transitions, safety, hand-eye coordination, satisfaction, choice
Paper pots & Marigold Planting
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Social Studies – world myths of the marigold
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ELA – storytelling
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Science – environmental sustainability (paper/biodegradable pot), seed saving, growth charting, soil experiments, cycles, empowerment
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Health and Wellness – growing
Paper - Making & Weaving
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Math – measurement, ratios, design
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Art – mixed media
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Health and Wellness – fine-motor skill development, repetition, conceptualizing transformation, integration, interdependence
Painting with Soil Samples
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Science: soil education and conservation, chemistry
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Art: mediums of expression
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Health and Wellness: connection of soil to what we eat, empowerment
Seed Mandala
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Science: seed recognition, seed science
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Math: planning, graphing, design, calculation
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Social Studies: untold story of seeds, seed security, stewardship
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Art: mixed media
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Health and Wellness: creativity, precision, connection
Mask Forms
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Social Studies: our story
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ELA: storytelling
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Art: cultural expression and connections
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Health and Wellness: self-reflection
Horse Handling/Grooming
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Science: biology, animal husbandry and care
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Health and Wellness: animal interaction and care
