Schedule: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Duration: September -June
Bi-Monthly Community Excursions & Parent Volunteer Opportunities

Twice a semester, our Little Acorns program includes a special community excursion to explore local parks, gardens, or nature centers. These outings provide hands-on experiences that connect to our seasonal themes and nurture curiosity, observation, and a sense of wonder. Parent volunteers are encouraged to join and support our community learning experiences.

Little Acorns Daily Schedule

10:30 – 10:50 AM | Morning Circle & Welcome (20 minutes)

Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Language Arts

• Greeting song, group check-in, and discussion of the day’s theme

• Fingerplays and movement games to strengthen rhythm and focus

• Setting intentions and practicing gratitude for the day ahead

10:50 – 12:00 PM | Nature Exploration & Outdoor Learning (70 minutes)

Focus: Science, Math, Physical Education, Approaches to Learning

• Exploration of natural spaces on campus through guided walks, sensory play, and discovery

• Hands-on observation of plants, animals, weather, and seasonal changes

• Gentle introduction to math and science through counting natural items, comparing sizes, and noticing patterns

• Encourages problem-solving, resilience, and cooperation through outdoor challenges and play

12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Free Play (60 minutes)

Focus: Health, Physical Education, Social Development

• Outdoor picnic lunch followed by unstructured play in the garden or play area

• Opportunities to practice independence, social awareness, and turn-taking

• Time to nourish the body and connect with friends through conversation and imaginative play

1:00 – 1:50 PM | Storytelling & Creative Work (50 minutes)

Focus: Language Arts, Art, and Social Studies

• Story time inspired by nature, the seasons, or kindness and community

• Discussion and retelling to strengthen comprehension and memory

• Creative follow-up through watercolor painting, clay work, or seasonal crafts

• Activities encourage imagination, fine motor development, and artistic expression

1:50 – 2:15 PM | Movement & Music (25 minutes)

Focus: Music, Physical Education, Social and Emotional Development

• Singing, dancing, and rhythm instruments to develop coordination and listening

• Yoga or movement games to support balance, strength, and emotional regulation

• Group cooperation through circle games or parachute play

2:15 – 2:30 PM | Closing Circle & Reflection (15 minutes)

Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Approaches to Learning

• Reflection on the day’s discoveries and joys

• Gratitude or goodbye song to bring gentle closure to the day

• Opportunity for each child to share a favorite moment or new insight

Integrated Areas of Focus

Math: Number sense, patterning, geometry, measurement through hands-on exploration
Science: Seasons, weather, living systems, sensory observation, inquiry-based learning
Language Arts: Listening, speaking, storytelling, comprehension, and early phonological awareness
Social Studies: Community, cooperation, family, and respect for the Earth as our shared home
Music and Art: Singing, rhythm, creative expression through color, texture, and form
Health and Physical Education: Gross and fine motor development, outdoor play, nutrition, mindfulness
Approaches to Learning: Curiosity, persistence, initiative, focus, cooperation
Social and Emotional Development: Friendship, empathy, resilience, self-expression, emotional awareness

Little Acorns Program Overview (Ages 3–5)

The Little Acorns program at Little Roots Academy provides a nurturing, play-based introduction to learning that supports the whole child—head, heart, and hands. Rooted in nature and guided by the rhythm of the seasons, each day unfolds through movement, song, storytelling, and exploration, helping young children develop a deep sense of wonder and connection to the world around them.

Learning in the Little Acorns class is gentle and intentional. Early academic foundations in math and literacy emerge organically through hands-on experiences—counting pinecones, tracing letters in the sand, measuring puddles, or creating patterns from leaves and stones. Through these experiences, children build the groundwork for number sense, language, and critical thinking in a way that feels alive, meaningful, and joyful.

The program integrates elements of Waldorf and Montessori philosophies, emphasizing rhythm, beauty, sensory engagement, and respect for each child’s natural developmental pace. The classroom and outdoor environment are designed to inspire imagination, creativity, and confidence while cultivating important life skills such as independence, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Social and emotional growth is at the heart of the Little Acorns experience. Children learn to express emotions, care for one another, and work together through play, shared storytelling, and cooperative activities. Daily mindfulness moments—such as gratitude circles, gardening, or quiet observation—help children strengthen focus, patience, and resilience.

Each week, the children engage in hands-on, project-based learning inspired by the natural world. Activities such as gardening, cooking with natural ingredients, and creating art from found materials help them connect with the cycles of the Earth and develop a sense of stewardship for our shared home.

The Little Acorns program honors early childhood as a sacred and foundational stage of life—where curiosity is the curriculum, nature is the classroom, and joy is the teacher.

Wise Willows Program Overview
Duration: September -June
Schedule: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Community Excursions & Parent Involvement

Twice each semester, our Wise Willows embark on special community excursions to explore nature, local parks, or community spaces. These outings offer rich, hands-on learning experiences that connect directly to our weekly themes and seasonal studies. Parents are warmly invited to join and support these trips, helping to deepen community connection and enhance the children’s learning experiences.

Daily Rhythm

10:30 – 10:50 AM | Morning Circle & Welcome (20 minutes)
Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Language Arts

• Group check-in, greetings, and overview of the day

• Set intentions and reflect on the previous week

• Practice self-expression and build community connection through conversation, rhythm, and song

10:50 – 11:40 AM | Nature Exploration (50 minutes)
Focus: Whole-Child Development, Science, Inquiry, Problem Solving

• Engage in guided exploration of the environment to spark curiosity and wonder

• Observe seasonal changes, natural patterns, and living systems

• Encourage teamwork and problem-solving through organic challenges such as navigating trails, building simple structures, or crossing a stream

• Use discoveries from exploration as inspiration for the day’s academic and creative work

11:40 AM – 12:30 PM | Math Exploration (50 minutes)
Focus: Math, Approaches to Learning

• Hands-on math activities tailored to each child’s level, aligned with VA SOL standards

• Incorporate rhythm, movement, and manipulatives to support comprehension

• Connect mathematical concepts to real-world experiences and nature observations

12:30 – 1:30 PM | Lunch & Free Play (60 minutes)
Focus: Health and Physical Education, Social Development

• Outdoor picnic lunch followed by unstructured play in the garden, meadow, or treehouse

• Encourage friendship-building, creativity, and self-directed social play

1:30 – 2:20 PM | ELA Block (50 minutes)
Focus: Language Arts, Handwriting, Social and Emotional Development

• Reading and writing activities aligned with VA SOL standards and individualized to each child’s level

• Practice handwriting and penmanship through nature journaling, copywork, and story writing

• Write personal narratives or nature-inspired stories

• Participate in read-aloud, poetry, or journaling sessions

• Build comprehension and storytelling skills through group discussion and reflection

2:20 – 2:35 PM | Handwork or Creative Form Drawing (15 minutes)
Focus: Fine Motor Skills, Focus, Art, and Mindfulness

• Engage in purposeful, hands-on creative work such as weaving, sewing, or watercolor painting

• Practice patience, coordination, and inner calm through artistic expression and geometric form drawing

2:35 – 3:00 PM | Science, Social Studies, or SEL (Alternating) (25 minutes)
Focus: Science, Social Studies, or Social-Emotional Learning

• Rotate weekly between inquiry-based science, community and cultural studies, and emotional growth lessons

• Explore real-world themes through observation, group projects, and storytelling

• Foster reflection, empathy, and awareness of the world and one another

3:00 – 3:15 PM | Afternoon Free Play (15 minutes)
Focus: Movement, Social Connection, Integration of Learning

• Provide unstructured outdoor play to release energy, foster social skills, and allow creativity to unfold naturally

• Encourage cooperation, imaginative problem-solving, and physical activity

3:15 – 3:30 PM | Closing Circle, Snack, & Pick-Up (15 minutes)
Focus: Reflection, Gratitude, and Community

• Enjoy a light snack while reflecting on the day’s experiences

• Share moments of gratitude and intention for the coming week

• Close with song, rhythm, or storytelling

Integrated Areas of Focus

• Math: Aligned with VA SOL standards to meet each child’s developmental level

• ELA (English Language Arts): Aligned with VA SOL standards; includes handwriting, storytelling, journaling, poetry, and reading comprehension

• Science: Observation, inquiry, life processes, and the interconnectedness of natural systems

• Social Studies: Community awareness, geography, cooperation, and stewardship

• Health and Physical Education: Motor development, wellness, and outdoor movement

• Social and Emotional Learning: Empathy, communication, conflict resolution, and mindfulness

• Approaches to Learning: Curiosity, initiative, persistence, and cooperation

• Handwork & Art: Creativity, coordination, patience, and focus through purposeful craft

Overview of the Day

This 5-hour rhythm balances guided academics, outdoor exploration, creative work, and meaningful collaboration. The morning nature exploration serves as the foundation for the day’s learning, sparking curiosity and grounding students in experiential observation that flows into math, language, and art.

Each part of the day builds upon the last, allowing learning to unfold through living, interconnected stages that mirror the natural rhythms of growth. The thoughtful balance of academics, handwork, and free play nurtures both intellectual development and emotional well-being, supporting capable, compassionate learners who approach challenges with creativity, confidence, and care for the Earth and one another.

Mighty Maples Program Overview

Duration: September -June
Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Community Excursions & Parent Involvement

Twice each semester, our Mighty Maples embark on special community excursions to explore nature, local parks, or community spaces. These outings offer rich, hands-on learning experiences that connect directly to our weekly themes and seasonal studies. Parents are warmly invited to join and support these trips, helping to deepen community connection and enhance the children’s learning experiences.

Daily Rhythm

10:30 – 10:50 AM | Morning Circle & Welcome (20 minutes)

Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Language Arts

• Group check-in, greetings, and overview of the day

• Set intentions and reflect on the previous week

• Practice self-expression and build community connection through conversation, rhythm, and song

10:50 – 11:40 AM | Nature Exploration (50 minutes)

Focus: Whole-Child Development, Science, Inquiry, Problem Solving

• Guided exploration of the environment to spark curiosity and wonder

• Observe seasonal changes, natural patterns, and living systems

• Encourage teamwork and problem-solving through organic challenges

• Use discoveries from exploration as inspiration for the day’s academic and creative work

11:40 AM – 12:40 PM | Lunch & Free Play (60 minutes)

Focus: Health and Physical Education, Social Development

• Outdoor picnic lunch followed by unstructured play

• Encourage friendship-building, creativity, and self-directed social play

12:40 – 1:30 PM | Math Exploration (50 minutes)

Focus: Math, Approaches to Learning

• Hands-on math activities tailored to each child’s level and aligned with VA SOL standards

• Use manipulatives, movement, and real-world applications

• Connect mathematical concepts to nature observations and daily experiences

1:30 – 2:20 PM | ELA Block (50 minutes)

Focus: Language Arts, Handwriting, Social and Emotional Development

• Reading and writing activities aligned with VA SOL standards

• Nature journaling, copywork, storytelling, and personal narratives

• Read-alouds, poetry, and group discussion

2:20 – 2:35 PM | Handwork or Creative Form Drawing (15 minutes)

Focus: Fine Motor Skills, Focus, Art, Mindfulness

• Purposeful handwork such as weaving, sewing, or watercolor painting

• Creative form drawing to support focus, coordination, and inner calm

2:35 – 3:00 PM | Science, Social Studies, or SEL (Alternating) (25 minutes)

Focus: Science, Social Studies, Social-Emotional Learning

• Rotate weekly between inquiry-based science, community studies, and SEL lessons

• Explore themes through observation, storytelling, and collaborative projects

3:00 – 3:15 PM | Afternoon Free Play (15 minutes)

Focus: Movement, Social Connection

• Unstructured outdoor play for movement, creativity, and social connection

3:15 – 3:30 PM | Closing Circle, Snack & Pick-Up (15 minutes)

Focus: Reflection, Gratitude, Community

• Light snack and reflection on the day

• Close with song, rhythm, or storytelling

Overview of the Day

This five-hour rhythm begins with grounding time in nature, allowing children to engage their bodies and senses before transitioning into shared meals and focused academic work. Lunch and free play serve as a natural bridge between outdoor exploration and afternoon learning.

The day unfolds in a steady, intentional flow that supports attention, curiosity, and emotional well-being, honoring both the developmental needs of the child and the rhythms of nature.

This small, mixed-age group provides an enriched learning experience by blending two days of Wise Willows or Mighty Maples activities with a third day (either Weds/Thurs)

Noble Oaks Mentorship Program

🌿 Community Excursions & Leadership Opportunities

Twice each semester, Noble Oaks participants take part in special community excursions to explore nature, local parks, or community spaces. These outings offer meaningful leadership experiences where mentors guide younger students, model stewardship, and connect real-world learning to nature-based studies.

🌟 Mentorship Focus

Noble Oaks participants develop leadership, communication, and collaboration skills by serving as role models for younger students. They engage in advanced, inquiry-driven academics while deepening self-awareness, empathy, and a sense of purpose within the Little Roots community.

Daily Rhythm

10:30 – 10:50 AM | Morning Leadership Circle (20 minutes)

Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Language Arts, Leadership

• Group check-in and overview of the day

• Set personal leadership goals and reflect on mentorship roles

• Practice active listening, mindfulness, and teamwork

10:50 – 11:40 AM | Nature Exploration & Peer Mentoring (50 minutes)

Focus: Science, Inquiry, Leadership, Problem Solving

• Participate in guided outdoor exploration rooted in service and stewardship

• Support Mighty Maples students in observation, inquiry, and exploration

• Engage in advanced environmental studies, field journaling, and ecological awareness

11:40 AM – 12:40 PM | Lunch & Peer Social Time (60 minutes)

Focus: Health and Physical Education, Social Development

• Outdoor lunch followed by unstructured social time

• Model respectful peer interaction and leadership during free play

• Support younger students in navigating social dynamics

12:40 – 1:30 PM | Advanced Math Exploration (50 minutes)

Focus: Math, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking

• Extend Mighty Maples math lessons through deeper problem-solving and application

• Engage in strategy games, real-world math challenges, and collaborative projects

• Provide peer support during mixed-age math activities

1:30 – 2:20 PM | Advanced ELA & Writing (50 minutes)

Focus: Language Arts, Writing, Communication Skills

• Participate in deeper discussions around literature, storytelling, and communication

• Practice written expression through essays, poetry, and reflective journaling

• Model effective writing habits and support younger peers during shared literacy work

2:20 – 2:35 PM | Handwork or Creative Form Drawing (15 minutes)

Focus: Fine Motor Skills, Focus, Art, Mindfulness

• Engage in mindful artistic work such as fiber arts, watercolor, or form drawing

• Build patience, precision, and focus through purposeful creation

2:35 – 3:00 PM | Science, Social Studies, or Leadership-Based SEL (Alternating) (25 minutes)

Focus: Science, Social Studies, Social-Emotional Learning, Leadership

• Rotate between environmental science, cultural studies, and leadership-centered SEL

• Explore themes of sustainability, ecosystems, and community responsibility

• Reflect on leadership, stewardship, and personal growth

3:00 – 3:15 PM | Afternoon Free Play & Mentorship Integration (15 minutes)

Focus: Movement, Social Connection, Leadership in Practice

• Unstructured play and movement

• Practice leadership through cooperation, kindness, and inclusion

3:15 – 3:30 PM | Closing Reflection & Mentor Check-In (15 minutes)

Focus: Reflection, Leadership, Emotional Well-Being

• Reflect on learning, mentorship experiences, and leadership growth

• Share gratitude and celebrate contributions

• Close with a grounding or mindfulness activity