Budding Botanists- The Science of Spring Flowers
What's included
1 live meeting
35 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade Kindergarten - 2
In this Spring inspired class, students will learn how to be young Botanists as they explore the life cycles, identify the parts of spring flowers, learn how each plant thrives, and all about photosynthesis and pollination. Each class period will begin with a centering Welcome Poem that includes a mindful breath and positive affirmation. In the spirit of Spring we will have a short discussion about the weather and the signs of the evolving season. As we all live in different parts of the country and world, it is always interesting to hear how our lives and both similar and different! Students will then be introduced to the "Flower of the Week", which will be followed by a short story depicting the flower! Some stories will be told as puppet shows, while others, memoized by me, are told "from the heart". This is a Waldorf inspired class, so stories told as puppet shows include hand dyed silks, felted wool, wooden props, and other natural materials. The stories will include songs and verses about spring, weather, and what plants need in order to survive. Each story will have facts about the flower and the season woven into fiction. Following the story students will learn a variety of additional facts about the flower including, whether it is an annual or a perennial and where it is grown natively. Students will learn about the flowers sun tolerance, water preference, and what kind of soil the flower needs in order to thrive. Finally, through a guided illustration, we will depict the life cycle of the flower. Using a second camera I will model for students how to draw each flower. Students will have the opportunity to recall information they have learned as we add details to the picture together. During this section I will include additional information about photosynthesis, pollination, and other fascinating facts. Students are welcome to share their illustration at the end of class and encouraged to offer positive feedback to their classmates. Each class will end with a mindful breath, positive affirmation, and goodbye verse! This is an ongoing class. Students are welcome to join at any time! Week of March 20: Snowdrops Week of March 27: Daffodil Week of April 3: Lavender Week of April 10: Daisies Week of April 17: Tulip Week of April 24: Bluebells Week of May 1: Sunflower Week of May 8: Crocus Week of May 15: Hyacinth Week of May 22: Lily
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need paper, crayons or other drawing materials.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Get $10 off my classes with coupon code FRIENNEWYEAR202510 until Jan 23, 2025. Enter the coupon code at checkout.
Welcome to The Friendly Forest School!
I come to you with a wealth of knowledge, classroom experience, and a passion for teaching young children though play.
My classes follow a Waldorf-inspired approach that focuses on the holistic development of children, ensuring that academic skills are nurtured in an engaging and imaginative manner.
A predictable peaceful rhythm, delightful melodies, American Sign Language, and captivating tales (often set in the Friendly Forest) infuse every lesson, making learning a joyful exploration!I
By embracing the ebb and flow of nature's cycles, my goal is to help children feel grounded, secure, and ready to absorb knowledge with open hearts and curious minds.
ABOUT ME:
My journey began in the summer of 2001 when I had an internship in Early Childhood Education at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. After graduating from Purdue University with my Bachelors Degree, I began working as a social worker and case manager for young children in LaPorte, Indiana.
I then moved to Phoenix, AZ and started my journey in Special Education, working as an in-home therapist for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. I specialized in building expressive language through American Sign Language. Additionally, I focused on treating the whole child though sensory integration and positive behavior support. In 2005 I was named by the Governor as Arizona's "Caregiver of the Year"!
In 2006, I obtained my Masters Degree in Special Education and began working in a K-6 Self Contained Classroom. During this time I worked to develop an award winning School-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support program based entirely on peace and mindfulness. I was awarded the "You Make a Difference" award by the Osborn School District for my work on this project!
My daughter, Eleanor, was born in 2010. In 2013 I left the classroom to be a full-time mama. My youngest daughter, Annalise, was born in 2013. During this time I began to adopt Waldorf philosophies at home and began homeschool using Waldorf and Montessori inspired pedagogy.
In 2017, I started my own Early Childhood Center called "Let's Play Learning". The developmentally appropriate curriculum was based on the view that children learn best when they are actively exploring the natural world and a carefully constructed environment in the company of their caregiver and directed by loving, professionally prepared teachers. I closed my doors at the beginning of the pandemic and began teaching online, which I love!
In my classes I strive to create a culture of peace and mindfulness while teaching academic skills through nature, imaginative play, storytelling, and artistic expression.
I now live with my family just five minutes away from beautiful Lake Michigan.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$12
weekly1x per week
35 min
Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 5-8
3-8 learners per class