Bluestone Nature Study Homeschool Co-op
Through the Spring semester homeschool co-op classes for ages 5-14, we share playful, student-directed immersion opportunities for children to connect with community, personal creativity, and the natural world.
What is Bluestone's Nature Study Homeschool Co-op?
Are you looking to bring more outside learning to your homeschool curriculum? Or maybe you want to meet more homeschool families who love the outdoors.
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Bluestone Nature Programs' Homeschool Co-op is for families of children ages 5-14 years old who want to balance home school or online learning with social play and nature connection in a small group setting. In Bluestone Village's first year, we're offering this monthly program for the Spring 2024 semester*. All participating children must be accompanied by an adult, who will gain nature connection skills and a deeper understanding of how adults can facilitate nature-based learning.
Each month will focus on a new nature related topic with plenty of time for child-led exploration, play, and socialization.
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*Our goal is to grow homeschool programming as Bluestone Village grows and thrives. This growth includes work on our farm, drop-off programs, overnight trips, and so much more. Help us make this a reality by getting in on the ground floor!
What does a homeschool co-op class look like?
Our homeschool co-op classes meet from 1:30-3 pm on the third Thursday of each month, February-June in 2024. Each gathering we'll follow a general rhythm, but every class will be different. We'll explore these general topics*:
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February: The Art of Tracking
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March: Winter tree identification and maple tapping
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April: Friction fire
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May: Spring wild edibles
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June: Shelter building
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We'll incorporate hands-on nature inquiry, language & literacy, wild math, creative nature arts, and even dramatic play through the series.
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Classes meet entirely outdoors, rain or shine! You will receive complete details about gear and policies when you register.
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*All classes focus on child-led learning and learning through play. While we have a general focus for each class, we let child curiosity and inquiry lead the way.
What do I need to know?
Your child must be five (5) years old by September 1st to meet the age requirement. (If your child is NOT five by Sept. 1st of the enrollment year, they are eligible for Bluestone Nature Playschool.) Early registration is strongly recommended; spaces are available a first come, first serve basis. Additional policies related to outdoor learning, gear, etc. are provided upon registration.
What are my options?
Cost & Registration
Homeschool families will get the most out of the Bluestone co-op by registering for all 5 sessions, but we understand that there are many homeschool enrichment opportunities to choose from.
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2024 rates (series)
Caregiver + child: $60
Caregiver + child with siblings: $90
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2024 rates (per session)
Caregiver + child: $18/session
Caregiver + child with siblings: $25/session
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Enrollment Information
This class is designed for homeschool students ages 5-14 to attend with a caregiver. We know that sometimes another sibling must attend - we love children, so that's no problem! Please register with the "caregiver with siblings" option.
As with all of Bluestone's programs, we never want nature to be cost prohibitive. If you are experiencing a financial hardship and would like to attend, please reach out to Emily Woodmansee.
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Ready to join?
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