Program Details

About Forest School

Welcome to Woodland Wonders Forest School! Where learning meets play to encourage children's natural curiosity and foster whole-child development. Our mission is to promote a connection with nature through self-guided exploration to develop children's natural love for learning and the outdoors. Instead of just a checklist of standards, we aim to nurture the holistic development of each child in our programs. The KY standards and the five values (pictured to the left) together form a circle of wholeness.

Our role is to come alongside you and your child to support and encourage growth and connection. Our approach is one that focuses on inquiry-based, child-led learning through play and exploration. This connection will not only enhance the child's present life, but will be a firm foundation in their education as they continue to learn and grow.

Proven Benefits of Forest Schools include:

Increased Confidence
Improved Problem Solving
Gross Motor Skills Development
Social Skills Development
Increased Attention
Develops Language Skills
Promotes Creativity

Nature School: PreK-8th Grade

Our school operates Monday-Thursday from 8:15-3:15. Drop-off begins at 7:30. Students must be picked up by 4:00.

*We do offer 1/2 day Preschool!

Woodland Wonders Forest School is based on 171 instructional days during the school year to meet the Kentucky Department of Education requirement of 170 instructional days. In order to achieve our yearly hours and days for the state, we also operate an additional two ½ Fridays each month. Fridays will be used for community service/involvement and field trips.

The Five Cornerstones of Forest School

Within our daily rhythm there are five cornerstones that together build the foundation for self-directed learning through play, exploration, and collaboration.

1. Academics: All students will be taught by a certified teacher that holds a teaching certificate in the state of Kentucky. Students will partake in learning the KY standards for their grade level, as well as learning a more sustainable way of life that is being forgotten. Student learning will take place not only in the classroom, but outdoors in our multiple learning spaces. By integrating our outdoor learning spaces, and having certified teachers on board, we ensure our nature-based approach to teaching and learning.

2. Morning circle: This is a time to gather and build community through collaboration, group learning, inquiry, discussion, mindfulness, and so on. Our facilitators may introduce a seasonal topic or we may explore a subject the group has expressed interest in. This can look like a combination of games, nature journaling, group activities, a nature walk, hands-on observation, etc.

3. Unstructured, self-directed play: This time is central to our day as play is crucial for learning and growth. Within our safety boundaries, this time is left completely open for students to play and explore however they desire. Sometimes it looks like running through the woods, building a shelter, making a new trail, water play, mud kitchen play, arts and crafts, and so on.

4. Project-based learning: This time is to further explore topics, grow skills, and bring ideas to life. The goal is that this time would be primarily child-led but we do provide support as needed. The possibilities of how to use this time are endless from woodworking, handwork art, fine art, building, crafts, survival skill practice, group projects, nature journaling and observations, loose parts creations, nature creations, rock climbing on our bouldering wall, gardening, etc. Oftentimes a project idea may grow from their play or be a continuation of their play earlier that day. All along the way our facilitators are there to help mentor, teach skills, and guide each child towards work that is meaningful for them.

5. Closing circle: Here we share a nature story, recap our day, and set goals/share ideas for the following week. Forest School is a collaborative team effort between each child that attends and our facilitators. Our closing circle gives space for children to share feedback and be active participants in our communal class.

Daily Rhythm for Prek/K

This is not a set schedule but instead a general flow for our time together. A strong daily rhythm offers the consistency and predictability that children’s developing minds need to learn and grow. Yet we remain flexible to change based on weather, interests, and ages in attendance.

Drop-off
Morning circle in the forest and facilitator guided learning activity based on interests of the group (i.e. nature walk, group game, nature journaling, etc.)
Enrichment (Art, Music, Agriculture, P.E/Health)
Academic lessons
Lunch/Pick-up
Rest period
Afternoon exploration or guided play
Closing circle
Dismissal

Daily Rhythm for 1st/2nd Grade

Drop-off
Morning circle in the forest and facilitator guided learning activity based on interests of the group (i.e. nature walk, group game, nature journaling, etc.)
Enrichment (Art, Music, Agriculture, P.E/Health)
Academic lessons (Math, ELA, Social Studies)
Lunch
Academic Lessons through PBL (Science, Math, ELA, Social Studies)
Afternoon exploration or guided play
Closing circle
Dismissal

Daily Rhythm for 3rd-5th Grade

Drop-off
Morning circle in the forest and facilitator guided learning activity based on interests of the group (i.e. nature walk, animal care, nature journaling, science experiement, brain warm ups, artistic intepretations, etc.)
Enrichment (Art, Music, Agriculture, P.E/Health)
Academic lessons (Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies)
Lunch
Academic lessons through PBL (Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies)
Afternoon exploration or guided play
Closing circle
Dismissal

Daily Rhythm for Middle School

This is not a set schedule but instead a general flow for our time together.

Drop-off
Morning Meeting - Lead school in opening, assign chores/community needs to house systems, cover schedule, routine and expectations
Enrichment (Art, Music, Agriculture, P.E/Health)
Academic lessons (Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies)
Lunch
Academic lessons through PBL (Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies)
Unit study -The Middle School has unit studies throughout the week and each unit runs for 6-12 weeks. The students work on units such as:

Woodworking
Theater
Handwork: learning to sew, knit, crochet, wet and needle felting technique
Culinary
Independent studies: each student will choose a year-long independent study and work with mentors to complete a project or certification of their particular interests.

Job Shadowing - Middle-school students will job shadow various local business' to start understanding their future employment interests. (This will start after the first six-weeks and more information will be sent home)
Dismissal

Community and Family Involvement

Our forest school is rooted in the belief that children thrive when learning is supported by strong partnerships between families, educators, and the surrounding community. At Woodland Wonders, we intentionally cultivate meaningful opportunities for family engagement and community connection through seasonal celebrations, community service days, community field trips, volunteer days, and shared stewardship of our outdoor learning spaces. By fostering collaboration with local farmers, conservation groups, and community leaders, we extend learning beyond our school property and into the living world around us. Through this shared commitment, we nurture not only academic growth, but also a sense of belonging, responsibility, and a deep respect for the natural environment. Our goal is to create a school community where children develop a life-long love for learning, grounded themselves in nature, and feel a strong connection to their family and community.

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