Spring program - two mini sessions
April 28 - May 5 (FULL)

May 19 - May 26 (FULL)

10:00am-2:00pm

This program for children ages 4-7 is scheduled to run four Fridays this Spring in the woods of Andover, Vermont. Forest Garden is taught by outdoor educator and licensed teacher, Meg Minehan and focuses on our connection to the earth as we witness and celebrate the seasonal rhythms. We follow the natural rhythm of the children with ample time for imaginative free play. Whether listening to stories about our forest friends, harvesting beechnuts like little chipmunks, making mud pies, or collecting pine needles for a special sun tea, we strengthen our bonds with the natural world and one another. Our day includes forest exploration, free play, crafts and sensory activities, storytelling, snack and sack (packed) lunch.

Daily schedule: 

 (tentative)

9:30-10:00 Arrival and free play

10:00-10:30 Good morning circle -songs- fingerplays- movement activities, and storytelling

10:30-10:45 Snack and bathroom break 

10:45-11:15 Hike into the woods-forest observations-sit spots-mud kitchen-and forest play

11:15-11:45 Activity-Literacy, science, and math skills are playfully explored in our forest “classroom.”

11:45-12:00 Hike back to Toad Cottage

12:00-12:30 Lunch

12:30- 1:00 Seasonal art project

1:00-1:30 Closing Circle and free play until pick up

Meg loves creating opportunities for children to connect with the natural world and our seasonal rhythms. She is a Vermont licensed teacher and received her MEd with a concentration in Environmental Studies from Antioch New England. She has taught in a variety of settings including outdoor schools, summer camps, alternative classrooms, and homeschooling cooperatives. In addition to teaching for Oak Meadow, Meg is the founder and lead teacher of two summer programs that immerse children in the outdoors and cultivate their sense of wonder and curiosity.