Golden Valley River School

Outdoor Kindergarten Home Study Program

Overview

When children join our Cherry Blossom Outdoor / Home Study Hybrid Kindergarten Class, they are able to enjoy the nurturing environment of their home as well as a healthy interaction with other children in an outdoor setting. The Class meets three times a week for an outdoor kindergarten experience allowing the children to socialize and have an experience away from their parents.

Families are provided materials and a curriculum inspired by Waldorf education to implement in the home on the days that the childern are not present at school. They also participate in parent evenings once a month with the teacher and meet regularly one on one to discuss their child's progress and individual needs. Learn More...

Cherry Blossom Outdoor Kindergarten Home Study Program
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday Rhythm

8:15 Bell rings, families form a circle on the stepping stones outside.
- Circle Time
8:45 Nature Walk from Golden Valley River School to Norma Hamlin Park (Tues) and Lake Natoma (Thurs). On campus (Weds).
       • Play
       • Craft
       • Games

10:15 Snack
       • Aussie Bites (Tuesday), Soup Cooked on the Campfire Stove (Wednesday), and Yummy Bars (Thursday)
       • Fruit/Vegetables/Hot Tea

10:45 Story/Rest

11:15 Return to Campus/Community Building Game

12:00 Goodbye

Meet the Teachers
Grades 1-4 Home Study Program

The Grades Home Study Hybrid Program is a unique opportunity for the melding of home and classroom-led instruction under the guidance and teaching of a Waldorf Trained and credentialed teacher. Golden Valley Charter Schools developed this program to meet the child in a multitude of ways. By offering an extension to the already rich Outdoor Kindergarten, families can continue with the strong rhythm and learning mentality that has gained foundation.

As a program that is integrated both within the classroom and the home setting, families can grow together through rhythm, curriculum, festival life, and community. The in-class component, led by a trained Waldorf Teacher with experience in grades 1-4, brings rhythm and academic foundation to the student.

The program consists of 3 days in class and 2 days at home. The class day begins with morning circle, where developmentally appropriate verses, song, and movement meet the needs and pedagogy of the mixed class. At home, the family will find ease and joy in the encompassing and rich elements of the Oak Meadow curriculum.

Meadow Brook Home Study Program
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday Rhythm

Tuesday Schedule
8:15 Greeting and Morning Work
8:30 Morning Circle ( Songs and Verses)
9:00 Keyboarding for 3rd and 4th / Letter and Reading Activites for 1st and 2nd
10:00 Leave for Outdoor Adventure
10:30 Snack at Park
10:45-11:15 - Play at Park with Classmates
11:15 - Hike Back to School
11:45 - Dismissal

Wednesday Schedule
8:15 Greeting and Morning Work
8:30 Morning Circle ( Songs and Verses)
8:45 1st and 2nd Painting while 3rd and 4th Handwork
9:15 3rd and 4th Painting while 1st and 2nd Handwork
10:15 Snack
10:30 - Recess on Playground
11:00 - Nature Journals in Garden or Gardening Work
11:45 Dismissal

Thursday Schedule
8:15 Greeting and Morning Work
8:30 Morning Circle ( Songs and Verses)
9:00 Writer's Workshop for All Grades
10:00 Leave for Outdoor Adventure
10:30 Snack at the River
10:45-11:15 Play at River with Classmates
11:15 Hike Back to School
11:45 Dismissal

Students who need reading support will be identified and invited to stay until 12:15.

The rest of the week is spent at home
utilizing the Oak Meadow Curriculum.

Parents lead their child/children through their lessons at home. Lessons plans are given to parents each week. This program requires a stay-at-home adult to be doing the lessons on Monday through Fridays. The lessons are taken from the Oak Meadow curriculum and from other resources. A credentialed teacher is available to assist you with all aspects of the curriculum. Bi-monthly check in meetings give you one on one help from the teacher. Monthly parent meetings allow families to build strong community connections and to further their knowledge of Waldorf education.

For more information about enrollment in the Grades Home Study Hybrid Program, please visit our enrollment page.