FORESTlearninglab: A child-led nature enrichment circle where curiosity grows in the forest.
At River’s Edge Forest Play, the FORESTlearninglab is a place where wonder unfolds naturally—transforming the forest into our classroom, art studio, science lab, and sanctuary all at once. Instead of structured lessons, children join a nurtured community, inspired by the rhythms of the natural world—digging, questioning, creating, and collaborating under the canopy of trees.
FORESTlearninglab
Designed for children ages 5–11, especially those homeschooling or seeking a play-rich extension of their learning journey. Here, the forest guides curiosity—not curriculum—and every discovery leads to the next.
Where Learning Comes Alive in Nature
Imagine your child immersed in an outdoor classroom surrounded by towering trees, vibrant plants, and the gentle sounds of a flowing creek. Our forest environment is alive with opportunities to explore, discover, and learn. Children observe creatures flying above and crawling below, uncovering clues about the natural world. Nature becomes the ultimate teacher, offering endless opportunities to learn every subject in a calming, yet exciting, space.
FORESTlearninglab topics aligned with child-led thresholds of curiosity and discovery
- Social Foundations: Every activity invites body, mind, and spirit to engage. From balancing on logs and listening for bird calls, to collaborating on fort-building, the FORESTlearninglab nurtures resilience, imagination, compassion, and wonder.
- Art: Encouraging creativity and self-expression through nature-inspired projects, including painting, sculpting, and crafting with natural materials.
- Science: Investigating ecosystems, weather patterns, life cycles, and more, fostering a sense of wonder and scientific inquiry.
- Physical Education: Enhancing motor skills, coordination, and physical health through outdoor exploration and movement.
- Health: Understanding wellness, nutrition, and mindfulness to promote healthy habits and emotional well-being.
- Social Studies: Exploring community roles, cultural diversity, and social connections through hands-on activities and storytelling.
- Geography: Learning about maps, landforms, and ecosystems while discovering the natural world around us.
- History: Delving into the past with stories, artifacts, and activities that connect history to everyday life and the natural environment.
- Interwoven with Forest Rhythms: Each week’s adventures flow with the seasons, allowing children to notice changes in light, weather, wildlife, and plant life—linking natural moments to hands-on discoveries.
Learning Through Play and Exploration
At River’s Edge, we balance guided learning experiences with “play with a purpose.” This approach allows children to dive deeper into subjects while enjoying child-led exploration and discovery. Whether they’re crafting stories under the shade of a tree, conducting science experiments by the creek, or exploring the natural world around them, every moment is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Why it feels different?
No walls. No desks. No bells. Instead, storytelling unfolds on logs, exploration happens in creek bends, and curiosity is anchored in everyday forest encounters.
Guides facilitate, not direct.
Our Forest Guides spark discovery through gentle invitations—prompting questions like, “What might you notice if you follow that ant trail?”—rather than presenting facts to memorize.
Program Duration
Runs for
34 weeks, from September 2, 2025, through May 22, 2026,
with breaks aligned to holidays. Engagement unfolds over time, weaving familiarity with forest changes and seasonal wonder.
