top of page
new bird (1).png
BIRD BUDDY
AFTERNOON CLUB

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:7-10

An afternoon nature play program for children ages 3-6.

Through rich experience, imagination and play, the children will engage in a variety of activities and inspiring places around Ferntop supported by experienced and loving teachers. 

Hours: 2:45 -5:00 pm
Days: Monday & Wednesday
Cost: $270/month-$2,430/year
turtle new 1 (1).png
2021-22 ENROLLMENT
The Bird Buddies program is currently full for 2021-22. 

The first step toward application is a  Family Visit! 

​

What do Bird Buddies do?
SING      CREATE      TEND      PLAY
Bird Buddies Sing

A focus on storytelling, movement and song

Bird Buddies Create

A focus on creating with natural materials

Bird Buddies Tend

A focus on tending the garden and the living creatures of Ferntop

Bird Buddies Play

A focus on play on the farm, in the forest, and with each other

BEST PRACTICES
​

  • We believe children should use real tools for real jobs.

  • We believe children should be consulted and their voices should be celebrated.

  • We believe "academic readiness” is getting a child ready for life, not for school.

  • We believe that nature is the best classroom providing abundant inspiration for the child.

  • We believe children should have time to look, listen and ponder.  Working in Nature Time, not Teacher Time.

  • We believe that a teachers role is not to lecture or fill the child with information, but rather to be silent, observe, ask questions, support and be wonder- filled along side the child.

  • We believe that natural materials provide a higher play affordance than manufactured toys and games.

  • We believe in collaboration and problem solving as a group.

  • We believe that nature provides wonderful object lessons for life.

  • We believe that risk is necessary in helping children form boundaries and keep safe.

  • We believe in helping children to become risk assessors.

  • We believe in long stretches of purposeful play and exploration.

  • We believe that in order for a child to take care of the earth, he must first love the earth.  Our job is to put the child in sympathy with nature so that relationship can happen.

  • We believe in a multi-age community of learners giving opportunities for service, compassion, modeling and growth.

  • We believe that children are powerful learners, able to construct knowledge given time, space, inspiring materials and support. We believe the natural world to be the most inspiring material.

  • We believe that books are a wonderful way to introduce vocabulary and “living ideas” to children.

bottom of page