Seedling School is a weekly drop-off program for children ages 5 to 7, taught by Amy Rupp. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, nature connection, and social-emotional development. Beyond the weekly sessions, families are invited to plan and host field trips, activities, and meet-ups throughout the year. This is only the beginning! Amy’s vision for Seedling School is expansive and full of possibilities.
Learn more about it here.
A Flexible Cooperative
Seedling School operates as a cooperative with a flexible structure, allowing families to collaborate in ways that suit their individual needs and rhythms, rather than being tied to a single location. This openness ensures that families can share consistent, enriching experiences while supporting each other.
Drop-off Rhythm
Seedling School's drop-off program follows a rhythm that supports a child’s natural desire to explore, learn, play, and move. This rhythm adapts to the changing seasons, creating a dynamic flow that connects children with the environment.
In fall and spring, our day begins with a provocation to spark curiosity, imagination, and creative thinking. During winter, the focus shifts to outdoor exploration, allowing children to engage with nature in a hands-on way.
Amy tailors each session to the unique needs and interests of the group, incorporating crafts, activities, and enrichment opportunities that enhance the learning experience. Through creative projects, nature-based explorations, and engaging play, the program fosters hands-on discovery, social interaction, and imaginative expression.
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A Reggio-Emilia approach to introducing a concept/question. Provocations are open-ended time to explore through open parts and creative questions. Children arrive with their families, and can ease into the morning by exploring themes that allow for creativity, collaboration and thoughtful play. Provocations questions follow the child’s academic progression throughout the year.
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During circle time, children will build fine motor skills with fingerplays and gestures and gross motor skills with skipping, balancing, jumping, clapping, and more. Practicing music skills such as singing, rhythm, and keeping a beat with the body and the voice. It is also a great opportunity to build literacy through rhymes, speech, vocabulary, memory and to practice mathematical concepts such as counting, adding, subtraction, and word stories.
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Group games offer children the chance to practice and develop essential social skills, such as cooperation, communication, and teamwork. These games encourage children to engage with their peers, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Through play, children learn to take turns, share, follow rules, and resolve conflicts, all while having fun and staying active. Additionally, group games help to reinforce academic concepts and physical coordination in an enjoyable, hands-on way, making learning both effective and engaging.
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At Seedling School, we prioritize character development by exploring important values with the children. Through picture books, dialogue circles, and a variety of engaging activities, we introduce and discuss these values in ways that resonate with the children's experiences. This approach encourages them to reflect on their actions, relationships, and personal growth, fostering a deeper understanding of empathy, kindness, responsibility, and other essential qualities. By weaving character study into our daily rhythm, we create an environment where children are encouraged to embody these values in both their learning and interactions with others.
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What makes Seedling School truly special is the freedom that comes with spending most of our time outdoors, where there are no walls to confine us. Play is at the heart of our experience, seamlessly integrated throughout the day. It flows naturally with our activities, allowing children to learn, explore, and engage in imaginative play without boundaries. This fluid environment encourages creativity and fosters a deep connection with nature, while also providing ample opportunities for hands-on learning and personal growth.
Drop-off Program
Ages 5 to 7
Twice weekly - 3 Hours
$30 a Session
Location: Shared Privately
Family Pod
Caretakers share an active role in organizing monthly meetups, engaging activities, and learning opportunities. Additionally, gatherings are organized and hosted by the Forest Collective, helping to cultivate yearly traditions that strengthen bonds between generations and foster a sense of belonging within a larger community.
Below is a list of ideas for activities and events that caregivers may want to coordinate with one another.
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Berry picking, hikes, outdoor field trips, biking, camping trips, parent book group,
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Pumpkin Village Tour, pumpkin carving, group art or language lessons, volunteer projects.
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Lantern Walk, lantern making, Friendsgiving potluck, Mother's Weekend Retreat,
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Group cross-country ski lessons, fort building, cookie decorating, Solstice Spiral Celebration, indoor field trips, meet-up at the Anchorage Greenhouse, meet-ups at The Workshop.
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Valentine's tea party, group music lessons, library visits to play games, swim lessons, group art explorations.
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May Day Celebration, adopt an apple tree at Boyer's Orchard, group music lessons.