Ages 4-10
Led by Miss Diana, our Forest School Practitioner, the Forest School program follows the well-established methodologies of European and Canadian Forest Schools. In Forest School we offer an experiential, learner-led approach to help each individual confidently explore the world and develop a love of learning. Focusing on the holistic needs of each learner, this program allows participants to grow and thrive socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. Each program is developed to suit the particular location, set of students, and season.
Subjects explored experientially in the forest, with students taking the lead, include science, physics and engineering, physical education, vocabulary and literacy, art, history, and more. Students also practice communication and collaboration as well as risk analysis and management. This holistic, experiential learning really helps students thrive in academics and in life.
*Please note* As this is not a drop-off program, a parent or guardian must accompany their child to each class. Our program is designed to enrich both the adult’s and child’s appreciation for nature while fostering a sense of community rooted in caregiver-child relationships.
All adult participants in our programs are required to obtain a state background (BCI/CORI) check and submit this documentation to Northern Rhode Island Forest School. Learn more about this requirement in our FAQs.
Forest School
Early Spring 2024
6-Week Session
Wolf Hill Forest Classroom, Smithfield, RI
Wednesdays 3:30-5:30pm
March 13 – April 17
Cost per child: $125
Ages 4-7
Led by Miss Lindsey, our Literacy in the Leaves Program offers PreK-Grade 2 scientific literacy education in the first half of class with opportunities to apply literacy and language concepts to hands-on learning in the second half of class. Each week, children are introduced to scientific vocabulary and concepts in botany, ecology, meteorology and/or zoology. These concepts are then reinforced through learner-led, play-based experiential learning in our forest classroom.
In this program, children will have opportunities to:
- broaden their knowledge of concepts in botany, ecology, zoology, entomology and meteorology
- learn about important historical figures who made ground-breaking discoveries in environmental science, zoology, and entomology
- learn about reading strategies such as making connections and predictions, generating questions, and drawing conclusions
- develop phonemic awareness (the ability to notice individual sounds in words, count syllables, identify words that rhyme, for example)
- draw and/or write about their experiences in a nature journal
In addition to class time in the forest, families will receive digital content including:
- “Words of the Week” cards for at-home repetition and reinforcement
- book recommendations for your child’s individual interests
- additional resources to go with each week’s theme
*Please note* As this is not a drop-off program, a parent or guardian must accompany their child to each class. Our program is designed to enrich both the adult’s and child’s appreciation for nature while fostering a sense of community rooted in caregiver-child relationships.
All adult participants in our programs are required to obtain a state background (BCI/CORI) check and submit this documentation to Northern Rhode Island Forest School. Learn more about this requirement in our FAQs.
Wolf Hill Forest Classroom, Smithfield, RI
Saturdays 1:30-3:30pm
September 23 – October 28
Cost per child:
$125 for full session (20% discount)
$25 per drop-in class
Forest School for Grownups
Ages 18+
This year-round, once-a-month program offers adults the chance to get out in the woods to play, learn, recharge, and heal. Led by a certified Level 3 Forest School Practitioner and designed especially for adults, Forest School for Grownups offers a holistic focus on social, emotional, physical, and intellectual pursuits. By learning and using skills such as knot tying, tool use, and fire building we will build calm, confidence, and community in the forest.
This program is for adults only (ages 18+) to allow maximum focus and recharge time!
All adult participants in our programs are required to obtain a state background (BCI/CORI) check and submit this documentation to Northern Rhode Island Forest School. Learn more about this requirement in our FAQs.
Rolling Enrollment
Wolf Hill Forest Classroom, Smithfield, RI
2nd Saturday of the Month, year-round
9am-11am
Year Membership: $250 per year
Drop-in Class: $25 per class