For ages 4–6.
Fridays, 9:00 am–1:00 pm
Location: Bartholomew’s Cobble, 105 Weatogue Road, Ashley Falls, Sheffield, MA
Full-year registration only, including:
Fall Session 2024: 12 weeks (September 20–December 13; no program Thanksgiving week)
Winter Session 2025: 4 weeks (January 17–February 7)
Spring Session 2025: 12 weeks (March 7–May 23)
Tuition: Full-year registration only: $1,485 for the year. Payment plan available at checkout.
Our Woolly Bears Forest Kindergarten Homeschool program offers children the opportunity to explore, play, and rest in the forest. Daily stories, games, activities, and open-ended play support our seasonal curriculum and provide crucial time to develop the social-emotional skills that are at the foundation of a young child’s learning journey. Mentors ensure that each child’s needs are met while nurturing more awe and wonder for the natural world. Children thrive while learning—naturally.
Please note: This program is for children ages 4 to 6 who are potty-trained (no exceptions) and ready to comfortably spend a few hours away from their parents.
Why Choose Forest Kindergarten Homeschool?
- Countless studies have shown how important free play is to the development of self-regulation, self-discipline, imagination, and much more. Pushing formal academic curriculum before children are developmentally ready can have detrimental effects on their future learning.
- Spending time outdoors has been shown to improve health and well-being for both children and adults. It is linked to reduced symptoms of ADHD; reduced stress, anger, and aggression; increased physical activity; and improved relationship skills to name a few!
- Connecting children to nature from a young age nurtures the next generation of earth stewards. When kids fall in love with the natural world, they want to protect it.
- Allowing children to experience the natural world directly gives them opportunities for appropriate risk-taking, challenge, and problem-solving. As a result, they learn self-management and emotional regulation skills while enhancing their feelings of competency.
We’ve seen our son grow in confidence and independence this past year—growth that we attribute largely to this program. He is naturally reticent and cautious, and it’s been wonderful to see him take more chances and trust himself in new, unfamiliar situations.”
Dathalinn O.
This program takes place at Bartholomew’s Cobble, which takes its name from the twin rocky knolls created by geological upheavals when the Taconic and Berkshire ranges were formed. This National Historical Landmark supports 800 species of plants in forest, open fields, and freshwater marshes.
Read our cancellation policy.
Learn more about what our Woolly Bears days are like on our Forest Kindergarten blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Forest Kindergarten Homeschool Program
Is there financial assistance available?
Yes! Apply here.
What does a typical day look like?
Our day begins with a circle and games before we head to our campsite or forest home. From there we build, explore, create, play, and adventure close to home and throughout the Cobble. We return from our adventures for lunch and a story at our campsite and close our day with a reflection circle and songs.
What is the daily schedule?
9:00–9:15 am: Drop-off and games
9:15–10:00 am: Morning circle and snack
10:00–11:45 am: Exploration, free play, and nature activity
11:45 am–12:30 pm: Lunch and story
12:30–1:00 pm: Free play
1:00 pm: Pickup
What do you do on rainy days?
We do much the same thing that we do on sunny days, but we wear waterproof layers! Puddles are so much fun and rain brings out another side of the forest. We have sheltered areas and can keep a healthy fire going in all types of weather.
What do you do in the winter?
We wear warm layers and follow a similar rhythm to other times of year. We explore and play, enjoying getting to know the gifts of the forest throughout the seasons. Our forest home gets warm and cozy with its branch walls and canvas tarp overhead. We also have indoor spaces that we use occasionally for meals or activities.
Are there deer ticks on your site?
Berkshire County does have deer ticks. Download our tick information sheet.
What are the educator/child ratios in the forest?
We have 1 instructor for every 6 children. We also have volunteer counselors who spend the day with our group and assist the children and instructors in many ways.
How do I visit if I’m thinking about enrolling my child?
Email us and we’ll set up a visit for you and your child.
Is there before- or after-care?
We do not currently offer after-care at the Cobble.
How many days per week may my child attend your program?
Forest Kindergarten at the Cobble takes place on Fridays only. Our Forest Kindergarten in East Chatham is in session on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Find out more.
What are the ages of the children in Forest Kindergarten?
The age range is from 4 to 6 years old. Children must be at least 4 and no older than 7 by the start of each session, and they must be toilet-trained.
What is involved with Forest Kindergarten Homeschool Program beyond my child’s days in the woods?
We build community through family potlucks prior to the beginning of each session and celebrations at each session’s end. Other parent/family events may be scheduled as well. A weekly email goes out to all parents sharing pictures and stories of the day.
Additionally, once during each seasonal session (Fall, Winter, Spring) you will hear from your child’s instructors about the strengths and passions that are emerging during the program, through discussion and observational notes and pictures.
How can I get more information?
Email us at info@flyingdeernaturecenter.org.