"Hello there, I just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful day I had at Ferntop. It was nice to get your perspective on teaching and see the school in person. I greatly admire what you are doing, your passion and commitment. I came away from the visit wanting to be a more peaceful, nature loving person! We hope to use some of your ideas someday on our nature trail and outdoor space at Agathos! Thanks for sharing your vision and being so welcoming."
Amelia Greene
Agathos School
"We were sooo inspired by our visit! I thought you would enjoy hearing that our number one takeaway was how respected and comforted everyone (including us) was while we were there! The interactions with the children… the way you incorporate them into everyday life learning and helping them understand they are the “caretakers” of the world ahead! There were so many things that gave us the imagery of what children deserve. We can’t thank you enough for your time!"
Debbie L. Ferguson
Glen Leven Presbyterian Church- Day School
"Clare, Thank you for an inspiring day at Ferntop last week. It was a wonderful day filled with hearing your vision and mission for the school and then to have time to observe see the school in action. I was truly beaming, surrounded with God‘s beauty, children exploring in nature, and seeing the JOY you had.
We were buzzing after our visit last week and there are already some things we have implemented.
NOW if you could only come out with a CD with all of your songs. They were amazing! Let us know. :)"
Educators, Administrators, Parents, Caregivers, Home School Teachers
We invite you to share a day of observation and learning at Ferntop Nature School!
Anyone who wants to learn how to incorporate the natural world into the lives and education of the children close to their hearts will be welcomed.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
-
COST: $156 per person
-
Weather appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes and rain gear are a must! Be sure to check the forecast.
-
Bring your lunch and water bottle.
-
Questions? Need a large group quote? Send us an email.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
MORNING
Our day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a tour of the inspiring places where children play. Afterward, immerse yourself in our day around the farm and forest. Experience how the natural world provides rich learning opportunities for the children, and gain a deep understanding of the power of imagination and play in an outdoor context.
MID-DAY
Our lunch session will be an time of rich conversation and a great opportunity to ask questions. You will hear from Ferntop's owner and founder, Clare Nugent.
Some of our discussion topics:
-
Risk taking
-
Journey in opening a licensed nature preschool
-
Challenges of an outdoor program
-
Documentation using Claire Warden’s Floorbook method
-
Emergent curriculum and using the gifts of the seasons to guide learning
-
A garden that meets the needs of each child and schema
-
Foraging with children
-
Storytelling and rituals that cement place
-
Empathy and caretaking
AFTERNOON
We will end our day with the children, observing our storytime ritual and snack of herbal tea and homemade bread.
