25 Aug 2024

Peach Hand Pies & Sumacade

by | posted in: Local Food, Nature Immersion, Self Directed Learning |

Summer Recipes Food and foraging projects tend to be some of our most popular activities at summer sessions. This past week at Thistle Pond, we baked peach filled hand pies on the fire, and enjoyed making Sumacade, a tart flavored drink similar to lemonade. Below you’ll find the recipes we used if you want to re-create these projects at home! Sumacade Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a native, deciduous shrub characterized by long, alternate leaves, yellow-green flowers and hairy, reddish … Read More
1 Jun 2024

Wild Discovery Semester Program Updates

by | posted in: Nature Immersion, Self Directed Learning |

Registration is now open for the Wild Discovery Semester Program 2024 – 2025 Login into your Amilia account for registration options. We’ve been enjoying the new areas where we’ve moved the tent and fire circle, and have also been appreciating all of the new families who have joined this learning community. Some of the highlights so far this semester have been highly engaging games of capture the flag with David, listening to the kids singing the May Pole song to … Read More
10 Mar 2024

Nurturing Growth and Development in a Nature-Based, Self-Directed Learning Environment

by | posted in: Nature Immersion, Self Directed Learning |

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in alternative educational approaches that emphasize child-centered, experiential learning in outdoor settings. By combining nature immersion, self-directed learning, and play-based approaches, White Ash Learning programs foster cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development while addressing the unique challenges children face in today’s world. A nature-based, self-directed learning program combines the benefits of outdoor education and child-led approaches to create an environment that fosters holistic growth and development. The Benefits of Outdoor Education … Read More
5 Sep 2021

Introduction to Self Directed Education

by | posted in: Self Directed Learning |

Intro to SDE Self-Directed Education (SDE), Natural Learning (NL) and Unschooling Written by Je’anna Clements, pro-bono for the Pestalozzi trust Self-Directed Education, also called Natural Learning, and Unschooling, is fast growing in popularity around the world. However, many people struggle to understand exactly what it is. Summerhill School, which opened in the UK in 1921, and Sudbury Valley School (SVS) opened in the USA in 1968, were both founded on the idea that young people can be treated with kindness … Read More
28 Feb 2021

Journey to Self Directed Education

by | posted in: Nature Immersion |

Being with young people was one of the earliest out of the home responsibilities I had as a teen. In my early teen years I participated in the Red Cross Babysitting Course and soon after began working for families in my neighborhood. This evolved into many years of full time work as a nanny in my late teens and early twenties. By age 19 I was grocery shopping, preparing meals, and providing childcare for a family with 5 children. I … Read More
10 Jan 2020

Woodcraft

by | posted in: Nature Immersion |

We often receive inquiries about knives and carving. Mentors use knives, folding saws, hatchets, and other blade tools regularly for things like crafts, firewood, and shelter building. We share the basics of knife safety anytime there is interest in using a blade tool. It is always optional to bring or use a knife. If parents consent, and if a participant wants to use a knife, mentors will evaluate when and how this is appropriate taking into account age, spatial and … Read More