Nature Studies & Homeschool Enrichment Programs
Ages 8-12 years old
First class free for new participants!!
To try a first class for free, please Register AND email ElementsLearning@gmail.com to let us know.
About Elements Nature-based Homeschool Enrichment
Elements Homeschool Enrichment Programs are drop-off courses designed for children age 8-12 years. During these courses, children and an Elements educator will engage in open ended and guided exploration of the topic at hand. Learners will also engage in community building activities that promote social and interpersonal awareness. Drop in for one class or spend the day immersed in science, creativity, and the natural world at Elements Learning Collaborative!
Elements courses at RTB, are held outdoors as often as the weather will allow. When needed, we will take cover in the Yurt and will only cancel in the event of extreme weather. We encourage waterproof shoes/boots and appropriate outerwear. We meet Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Children enrolled in an AM and PM course on the same day are welcome to bring a lunch and eat with peers and the Elements educator.
FALL COURSES, 13 WEEKS
Week of Sept. 9 – Dec. 5 (No classes Nov 25-27)
*Limit 8 -10 kids per course
STEM: TUESDAY, 10AM - 12PM and 1 PM - 3 PM
Hands-on science experiments and engineering projects using real equipment and materials. Students will conduct soil chemistry experiments, build renewable energy systems, safely test materials science, and analyze data like the actual scientists they are. Join us for both the morning and afternoon classes for a full immersive learning day!
Creative Writing: WEDNESDAY, 10AM - 12PM
Learners will explore writing techniques such as literary devices that enhance imagery and emotion, character development, plot structure, narrative, and dialogue. Learners will complete a small portfolio of work and participate in a final reading celebration. The main focus being building confidence and authentic voice in their writing.
Nature Art & Earth Creations: WEDNESDAY, 1 PM - 3 PM
Using the natural world and traditional craft techniques from cultures around the world as inspiration, learners will explore pottery, natural dyeing, fiber arts, metalworking, and carving. Learners will learn to work with natural materials using both ancient methods and modern tools.
Nature Study: THURSDAY, 10AM - 12PM FULL
Explore the farm through contextual learning! This fall we will study communication systems that exist in nature! We begin with plants & mycelium and end with local animals. Guided by inquiry based questions and our beautiful sense of wonder, we will observe, study, build, test, and calculate in nature. We will engage in hands-on studies of wild ecosystems as well as the cultivated ecosystems on the farm. We will study plant life-cycles, forage, and process edible plants.
Book Club: THURSDAY, 1 PM - 3PM FULL
This course will further develop a love of reading, strengthen critical engagement with literature, practice speaking and writing analytically about literature with their peers. Learners will choose their own books (and their own pace) to dive deeper into literary analysis and have more in-depth discussions. Learners will come together to talk about themes, symbols, motifs, character development, conflict, literary devices, cultural relevance, and other elements at work in each book. Students will also practice analytic writing and receive feedback from others.
After School Playmaking
Write, produce & perform an original play! Playmaking builds on social emotional skills, confidence, artistry, writing and performance skills. This class will excite and challenge young learners! We encourage participation in the full year.
Check back soon for details about our fall Playmaking session!
Elements Sliding Scale Tuition
Tier 1 - Pay it forward! Covers the full cost of your program and a portion to a family in need. Thank you for helping keep our program equitable!!
Tier 2 - Covers the full cost of your program.
Tier 3 - A subsidized option. Covers a partial cost of your program to meet the needs of families with fewer resources.
Program Cost (per child)
Tier 1 - $30 per class / $15/hr
Tier 2 - $25 per class / $12.5/hr
Tier 3 - $20 per class / $10/hr
*Course lengths vary between 10-13 weeks. Total cost per session will be based on number of weeks.
Try a first class for free!
Click the purchase link below and select “Trial Class” at checkout. Then email us to confirm interest in a trial class.
If you choose to enroll, you will be provided a discount code that will prorate your cost so you only pay for the remaining weeks. A trial class is available for learners who have not taken that particular Elements course before, even if you are not new to Elements.
*All Elements in-person programs for children are licensed by the Dartmouth Board of Health. Parents can view our Family Handbook with all of our policies including health and safety procedures. Elements is a 501(c)(3) non profit and welcomes all participants without discrimination.