Mushroom Masterclass: Mycology for Young Learners- The Study of Fungi
This Mycology class is designed to spark curiosity, foster appreciation for nature, and provide young minds with a solid foundation in the fascinating field of fungi.
The Friendly Forest School with Ms. Nora, M.Ed.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(151)
Popular
What's included
1 live meeting
35 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade Preschool - 1
Beginner Level
Welcome to the fascinating world of Mycology for Children! In this unique and engaging class, young learners will embark on a journey to discover the wonders of fungi. Mycology, the study of fungi, opens up a whole new realm of exploration and excitement. Throughout the course, students will delve into the diverse and mysterious kingdom of mushrooms, gaining a deeper understanding of their classifications, functions, and reproduction. At the conclusion of each Mycology class, students will have the opportunity to express their newfound knowledge and observations by creating an illustration in their nature journal. This hands-on activity not only reinforces the concepts learned during the class but also encourages creativity and a deeper connection with the world of fungi. Labeling and Note-Taking: For those who are able to write, students will enhance their illustrations by adding labels and notes. This step serves as a reinforcement of the concepts learned during the class, helping them remember key details and terminology associated with the world of mycology. Sharing and Discussion: At the end of each illustration session, students will have the opportunity to share their creations with the class. This sharing time encourages communication, collaboration, and a sense of pride in their work. Content in this class does not build and students may join at any time. Week of January 15: Introduction to Fungi Overview of the fungal kingdom Importance of fungi in ecosystems Basic characteristics of mushrooms Week of January 22: Fleshy/Gilled Mushrooms: Explore the classic mushroom structure with a focus on the cap and gills. Learn about different species, their shapes, colors, and the role of gills in spore production. Week of January 29: Boletes: Dive into the world of boletes, mushrooms characterized by a sponge-like layer instead of gills. Learn about their mycorrhizal associations and various species. Week of February 5:Shelf and Crust Fungi: Explore fungi that grow in shelf-like or crust-like forms on trees or other substrates. Discuss their functions in decomposing wood and other organic matter. Week of February 12:Coral and Club Fungi: Investigate fungi with intricate and branching structures resembling coral or clubs. Learn about their diverse shapes, colors, and habitats. Week of February 19: Coral and Club Fungi: Investigate fungi with intricate and branching structures resembling coral or clubs. Learn about their diverse shapes, colors, and habitats. Week of March 4: Morels: Delve into the world of morel mushrooms, prized for their culinary value. Explore their distinctive appearance, habitats, and the thrill of morel foraging. Week of March 11: Puffballs: Learn about mushrooms that produce a puff of spores when mature. Explore their ecological functions and the importance of spore dispersal. Week of March 18: Earthballs/Earthstars: Discover fungi with earthball and earthstar forms. Explore their adaptations for spore dispersal and their ecological roles. Week of March 25:Bird's Nest Fungi:Explore fungi that resemble bird's nests. Discuss their unique spore dispersal mechanism and their role in decomposing organic matter. This Mycology class is designed to spark curiosity, foster appreciation for nature, and provide young minds with a solid foundation in the fascinating field of fungi. Get ready for a mycological adventure filled with exploration, discovery, and hands-on activities!
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need paper or a nature journal and crayons or colored pencils.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined February, 2022
5.0
151reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Get $10 off my classes with coupon code FRIENSPRINGFUN10 until Mar 23, 2025. Look through my classes at https://outschool.com/teachers/noraryszka-yahoo-com and 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 in education began in the summer of 2001 with an internship in Early Childhood Education at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. After earning my Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University, I worked as a social worker and case manager for young children in LaPorte, Indiana.
I later moved to Phoenix, AZ, where I transitioned into Special Education, working as an in-home therapist for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. My focus was on developing expressive language through American Sign Language, as well as supporting the whole child through sensory integration and positive behavior strategies. In 2005, I was honored to be named Arizona’s "Caregiver of the Year" by the Governor.
In 2006, I earned my Master’s Degree in Special Education and began teaching in a K-6 self-contained classroom. During this time, I developed an award-winning, school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support program rooted in peace and mindfulness. For this work, I received the "You Make a Difference" award from the Osborn School District.
My daughter, Eleanor, was born in 2010, and in 2013, I left the classroom to focus on motherhood full-time. That same year, my youngest daughter, Annalise, was born. During this time, I embraced Waldorf philosophies at home and began homeschooling using Waldorf and Montessori-inspired methods.
In 2017, I founded my own Early Childhood Center, Let’s Play Learning, which provided a developmentally appropriate curriculum centered on the belief that young children learn best through hands-on exploration of the natural world, a thoughtfully prepared environment, and nurturing guidance from both caregivers and skilled educators. When the pandemic began, I transitioned to teaching online—a shift I have come to love!
In my classes, I strive to cultivate a culture of peace and mindfulness, integrating academic learning with nature, imaginative play, storytelling, and artistic expression.
Today, I live with my family just five minutes from the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.Reviews
Live Group Class
$14
weekly1x per week
35 min
Completed by 12 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-8
3-10 learners per class
