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The Saplings program at Fernbrook Farms is a play-based nature program for young learners aged 3-5. The program aims to provide the roots for lifelong connection with nature and love of learning. Saplings students explore and play outdoors for much of their day, immersed in Fernbrook’s many diverse ecosystems.
Learning at Saplings is child-led, nature-inspired, and focused on fun. Students are encouraged to follow their natural curiosities, to explore and experiment, to wonder and discover. Saplings teachers are there to guide students in their nature investigations, deepen their learning with hands-on activities, join them in open-ended nature play, and support them as they try new things and challenge themselves. We hope you can join us!
“Being outside in the elements, exploring, and experiencing small and large challenges, made my little girl strong, confident and brave!”
A Handful Of
The Rhythm of
At Saplings, the day’s events follow a consistent order without adhering to strict timetables. This provides students with the predictable routine they need to thrive, while also accommodating the flexibility that child-led education requires. The times noted below are meant as general guide.
8:00 – 9:00: Before care**
8:30 – 9:00: Drop-off window
9:00 – 10:00: Mixed-age free play, typically in our “Saplings Spot” outdoor classroom and play area
10:00 – 10:45: Circle time and snack
10:45 – 12:00: Morning adventure: typically a child-driven visit to one of Fernbrook’s forests, fields, or wetlands, or a project-based activity inspired by nature
12:00 – 12:30: Lunch
12:30: Pick-up for half-day students
12:30 – 2:00: Quiet time: a chance for students to nap or relax independently as they re-energize their minds and bodies
2:00 – 3:30: Snack and second adventure
3:30 – 3:45: Pick-up window for full-day students
3:45 – 5:00: After care**
** Before and after care available upon request for an additional hourly fee
a few of
With 230 acres and so many unique ecosystems to explore, the opportunities for adventure and exploration are endless.
Here is just a peek at what our Saplings might experience at Fernbrook:
“I will be forever grateful for the positive impact Saplings made in my daughter’s life. She is resilient, curious, and confident in nature because of your program. I recommend Fernbrook to every family I meet!”
using nature play to
The Saplings program uses nature as classroom, curriculum, and teacher all in one. Learning activities are inspired by the seasonal events and changes in the environment around us. We spend much of our day in open-ended nature exploration, which builds the foundation of curiosity, problem-solving, collaboration, and critical-thinking needed to succeed later in life. Our program also emphasizes growth in the social-emotional and physical skills needed to succeed in future schooling.
At Saplings, we believe you can’t have lasting learning without strong student engagement. We use what is known as “child-centered emergent curriculum” to guide students to deeper academic learning. Saplings teachers take note of what the students are recently showing interest in, and design learning activities around those interests that expand learning in a way that feels organic, engaging, and fun.
Here are some examples of how we develop academic skills at Saplings:
“Fernbrook is what little kids should be doing…It’s truly a magical place and I can’t put into words how much my kids love it there…We need more places like Fernbrook.”