Earth Class
Down to Earth Forest School
1st & 2nd grade class
2022-2023
Earth Class Weekly Updates
(Scroll down above the text to see the entire document)
Academic Work Stations
First and second graders in the Earth class have daily academic work time. Our primary focus during this part of each day is reading, writing, and math. In addition, we offer each student regular enrichment opportunities, such as science, music, carving (and other outdoor skills) with Ms. Victoria, arts and crafts with Ms. Diana, history, geography, and so on!
IMG_5502.MOVNumbers
This card game is a clever way to get lots of practice adding numbers while having fun. Look at the ease with which these students problem-solved when they said the answer simultaneously!
IMG_5498.MOVReading
Here is an example minute of three academic work stations in the Earth class. Students take a turn at each station, and everyone works at their own pace and current ability, some stations more student-led and others requiring teacher guidance throughout.
This video shows:
card game to practice adding
Animal Research project
carving with Ms. Victoria
IMG_5536.MOVWriting
Here is an example of four academic work stations in the Earth class. Everyone took a turn at each station, and the activity was modified to meet the needs and curiosity of each child!
This video shows:
Handwriting workbooks
Independent reading station
Animal Research Project
Phonics-based card game
Unstructured, Child-led, Imaginative Play
Unstructured time during the day mainly occurs during our hiking adventures in the last 1-2 hours of the school day. What organically unfolds before our eyes is beautiful, unpredictable, and imaginative play! These three videos from January 2023 show what can happen when a child is allowed to explore freely within safe boundaries.
When a child has the space and freedom to investigate the holes of the decaying stump as well as their own sense of self... that's when the magic happens!
IMG_5650.MOVMudslides!
How it became so - On a rainy day, the mudslide was created by four Earthworms! Days later, revisited, and seemingly out of nowhere, the entire Earth class of "tiger cubs" started running towards the slide. The students formed the line without adult assistance. Tiger Cubs continued all the way back to the shelter for Closing Circle.
IMG_5522.MOVExploring!
The excitement of a new outdoor playground! On this day, we ventured further up a creek than we had this school year, and some students got to discover new land (and water)! At forest school we often hear different names for the same place. Children feel empowered when they have freedom of imagination!
IMG_5654.movTiger Cubs!
Child quote about this game: "It's a tiger airplane so the tigers could get places!" Your kids will happily elaborate!