Heart of Joy Learning
Coeur de Joie Learning
Daily Schedule Overview · What to Pack in Your Backpack · Seasonal Layering Systems
12:15pm to 1:45pm Nature Hike in Seneca Creek State Park
Rain or shine, snow or sleet, doesn’t matter the weather, our children will venture outdoors to play. Seneca Creek State Park features a large stream where our children swim and create ephemeral art. We also hike to a waterfall where they build forts, dig for salamanders and worms, and climb large downed trees. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather!
Learners will keep a record of their outdoor adventures in their journal.
1:45pm to 3pm Nature Journal & Reading
The perfect time to unwind with a book is after our hike. Children will also have the opportunity to read and write on their own, read and write with a partner, work with me one-on-one to improve their own reading and writing skills, or sit down and enjoy read-aloud story time.
Children will be able to select books from our nature library or bring books from home to share. They can research topics for indoor/outdoor creative activities and keep a journal of their reading and writing ideas.
Children are encouraged to write about their adventures on the farm and in the forest in their nature journals.
1:30pm to 3pm Hand-on-Math and Science, Arts & Crafts
Hands-on-Math and Science seeks to find the mathematical and scientific principles behind our inspiration and wonder. Starts this spring!
Using a combination of materials and tools to create art, children will
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Build a fairy village
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Paint: watercolors, acrylics, featuring artists & their styles
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Drawing: animals, plants, illustrating books, comics
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Jewelry making from items found on our hike
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Playdough and other ceramics-like manipulative
Daily Schedule Overview
10am Welcome all members of our farm and forest program.
* Inspire: Tell a story, model a skill, or ask a thought-provoking question.
* Activate: Explain guidelines and expectations for the day's activities
10:00am to 11:45am Gardening and Skills Time
Our day starts with farm chores, nature exploration, and gardening, including caring for animals and growing vegetables. Children can also observe natural phenomena, draw in their nature journal, or develop skills like sawing wood.
11:45am to 12:15pm Lunch, Storytime and Outdoor Play
This time is dedicated to reading and discussing the lessons found in Aesop's Fables and American folklore, beginning with Native American stories. Afterwards, the children play outdoor games of their choosing.
Backpack Essentials
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Spare socks and underwear in a waterproof or ziplock bag
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A full water bottle (at least 500ml)
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A full litter-less lunch with at least 2 additional snacks
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A small hand towel
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Sunscreen, bug spray (or bug hat/jacket) if desired
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An extra mid layer (fleece or wool sweater)
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For winter add 2 extra pairs of waterproof/resistant mittens
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For spring and fall add a complete set of waterproof rain gear (pants and jacket)
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Nature Journal and writing utensils
Seasonal Layering System 1
Seasonal Layering System 2
Cool Rainy-Day Clothing (Fall/Winter/Spring):
Base Layer: Synthetic or wool long john shirt and pants; wool socks
Mid Layer: Fleece or wool sweater and pants
Outer Layer: Durable, WATERPROOF raincoat and rain-pants; warm toque; waterproof, insulated mittens; waterproof boots (Bogs, Kamik or similar)
Extra Layers: 1-2 pairs of wool socks, 1-2 pairs of waterproof insulated mittens; warm toque; mid layer as indicated above; underwear.
Optional: Extra boots
Cold Winter Day Clothing:
Base layer: Long john shirt and pants made of wool, silk, fleece or polyester; wool socks
Mid layer: Wool or fleece sweater and pants; fleece or wool neckwarmer
Outer Layer: Warm, waterproof, windproof and breathable snow suit; warm toque; waterproof insulated mittens; warm waterproof boots
Extra Layers: 1-2 pairs of wool socks; warm toque; mid layer, 1-2 pairs of insulated mittens
Optional: Extra boots, hand-warmers, extra snowsuit
Warm Rainy Day Clothing (Fall/Spring):
Base Layer: Lightweight, synthetic material t-shirt and long sleeve; lightweight, synthetic material pants (quick-dry material is ideal); wool socks
Outer Layer: Durable, WATERPROOF raincoat and rain-pants; waterproof boots
Extra Layers: Fleece Sweater; wool socks, toque. Optional: Extra boots
Cool Dry Day Clothing (Fall/Spring):
Base Layer: Synthetic or wool long john shirt and pants; wool socks
Mid Layer: Lightweight fleece or wool pants and sweater
Outer Layer: Warm jacket; durable rain-pants, waterproof boots, waterproof mittens; warm toque
Extra Layers: 1-2 pairs of wool socks, 1 pair of waterproof insulated mittens; mid layer as indicated above; underwear.
Seasonal Layering System 3
Warm Dry Day Clothing (Fall/Spring):
Base Layer: Lightweight, long pants that can easily be rolled up; t-shirt; lightweight synthetic socks
Outer Layer: Fleece sweater or jacket; closed toe running shoes or hiking boots; sun hat
Extra Layers: Extra socks; base layer
Optional: Bug jacket (Spring)