In the Homeschool Forest School, the participants gather to explore and learn during the forest school year, September-June. The seasonal, place-based program takes place outdoors and is facilitated using Take Root’s unique approach which combines the experiential earth-based principles of Forest School, the holistic ideals of Waldorf, the child-based methodologies of Montessori and the flexibility of child-led ideals. The kids and their teacher-guides come together to explore, discover and learn. At Take Root, students have the unique experience of learning in an oasis of trees – in parks and natural areas, with screens turned off and away from the fast-paced sprawl of the S. Florida urban jungle. Outdoor experience develops a sense of wonder for the natural world – creating a love and respect that will develop with the child as they grow, inspiring a healthy eco-literate culture. It is every person’s right to find their place in nature and their sense of self.

Take Root Forest School is an education enrichment program designed to nurture a lifelong love of learning through curiosity, exploration, and meaningful connection with the natural world. The emergent curriculum does not follow a traditional school calendar or classroom model; instead, learning unfolds organically throughout the Forest Year through hands-on experiences, observation, discovery, and play. Each class at Take Root is unique and responsive. Curriculum emerges from the children themselves—their questions, passions, relationships, and experiences—as well as the ever-changing rhythms of the natural world around them. In this way, every Forest Year becomes a one-of-a-kind journey of learning, connection, and wonder. Experiential, nature-based learning at Take Root may include, but is not limited to, engagement in: ecology, natural and cultural history, science, math, the arts, outdoor skills, yoga, movement, mindfulness, leadership, entrepreneurship, and stewardship. Core ideas are woven into the forest school flow – emphasizing the rhythm of the seasons, sensory awareness and the forest kids’ discoveries in the forest. This multi-subject approach to learning – integrating wider subjects while focusing on exploration, play and discovery allows for development of the whole child…Head (through transformative experience and reflection), Heart (through relating and or connecting on a deeper level) & Hands (through hands-on engagement).

Each forest day has a structure that dictates the rhythm and flow. These ebbs and flows give the participants time for observation, movement, active play, immersive experiences, emergent learning and quiet reflection. Every morning, after arrival and play, the kids and teachers gather to sing and welcome the day during the Community Circle and Morning Meeting. This gathering time brings everyone together and sets up the day. The rhythm of each forest school day features two main themes: Focused in the Forest for group community learning and Free Range in the Forest for self-directed play and exploration. These are not always separate blocks of time; they often happen simultaneously as children move fluidly between group activities and independent choices.

Social and emotional learning at Take Root is rooted in connection, respect, and positive, holistic guidance. Our team models compassionate communication and creates an environment where children are supported in developing self-awareness, confidence, empathy, and emotional intelligence. We believe that conflict and challenges are natural and important parts of childhood growth. Children are encouraged to practice problem-solving, express their feelings, listen to one another, and work toward solutions with the support of caring adults. When additional guidance is needed, our teachers and nature guides use developmentally appropriate strategies to help children navigate emotions, strengthen relationships, and build the skills needed for lifelong collaboration. Through intentional observation and responsive support, our team works to understand each child’s unique needs, strengths, and ways of engaging with the world. Teachers adapt their approach and provide individualized strategies and accommodations to help every child feel safe, capable, and connected. Families and teachers partner together through ongoing communication and collaboration to support each child’s social and emotional growth. At Take Root, we nurture not only children’s relationships with their peers and the adults around them, but also their relationship with themselves and the natural world.