Little Wildflowers Farm Preschool

INTRODUCTION
Our Preschool Program is for children ages 2.5 through 6 years of age by September 1st. Children will experience a safe and encouraging atmosphere in the comfort of our home and on our farm. I strive to instill important values and develop strong character traits through direct experiences as well as through the stories we read aloud and we implement these values throughout our day. I feel strongly that appropriate child development is ensured by loving, trusting relationships with a caregiver who understands and considers all of their needs. The children are encouraged to make choices and try new and different experiences knowing there is a supportive caregiver close by to support them as they make these new discoveries. Children will spend much time outdoors nourishing their physical, mental and spiritual needs.  Charlotte Mason believed, and I agree, that a child’s initial wonder and delight in nature and love for its Creator is necessary preliminary work which establishes a strong foundation of habits, curiosity and a passion for learning.
 
TYPICAL DAY
Wildflower Farm Preschool is located on our family homestead! Charlotte Mason emphasized the importance of the self-esteem and purpose associated with plant and animal care. Children will be encouraged to participate in regular age- appropriate activities around the farm related to gardening, caring for our animals which include dogs, cats, goats, rabbits, chickens and other loving, child-friendly creatures.
Our farm cultivates wonder and inspires deep learning in the hearts of children through opportunities to witness the beauty and goodness of the world around them. Children will discover the necessity and connectedness in how nature and animals relate to their world through hands on experiences and observations. We will study  honeybees collecting pollen before harvesting honey, gather eggs to add to our recipes, count  baby animals and creatures around the farm, observe  life cycles of various plants and animals up close, measure ingredients for our freshly baked snacks, make butter,  bread and jam in the kitchen. We will prepare our morning snacks with fresh ingredients which the children have started from seed and eventually harvest right from our garden. Your child’s quiet growing years at Wildflower Farm will be full of joy, wonder, creativity, imagination and delight. 
Our curriculum is gentle and classical. It is  inspired by nature and our family farm, the interests and needs of the children in my care and the educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason.
 
DAILY RHYTM
• Morning Greetings, structured free play 
• Morning circle time with games and songs and dance with some open ended free play. We will celebrate the season, touch on the date, the time and the weather. 
• Farm chores + Outdoor open ended play. We will collect eggs, milk goats, clean the paddock and explore what’s new on the homestead today. 
•Building a strong foundation for literacy and virtuous character traits through living books and classical performance. 
• Cultivating an appreciation for art using many art mediums  and handicrafts related to our story. 
• Cultivating  strong relationships and problem solving skills through creative play.
• Nourishing our bodies with delicious, whole food snacks.
• Establishing strong foundations for handwriting + math lessons.
• Contribute to the transitions of activities to develop practical life skills. 
• Connecting children to nature and developing an appreciation for where our food comes from by participating in the growing and preparation of food and caring for animals. 
• Building strong connections to the natural world through exploration, observation and discovery in nature and around our farm in all seasons and weather.
• Developing healthy imaginations, relationships and problem-solving skills through creative free play
•Foster feelings of belonging, responsibility, and accomplishment by contributing to practical life skills. Sweeping, cleaning up toys, wiping surfaces. 
• Closing circle and farewells no