Cooperative Outdoor Learning

What on earth is a co-op? Why do I want one? And outdoor learning? What is an outdoor classroom? What do you do there?

I LOVE these questions, and honestly, we get them a lot! For many, the decision to homeschool during the early years is an innate feeling, a desire to keep their babies close and safe and simplify their early years. For others, its practical, an affordable decision, or behavioural, keeping their kids away from being labeled young.

For my family, well, it's all of that and so, so much more! I'm sure most families have a myriad of reasons they choose this lifestyle.

When I started Brambleberry Kids, it was just a small gathering of toddlers at my home, playing, exploring, hearing stories, and picnicking. We met once a month for a full day, and it was so precious! Now, we have classes that meet almost every day at our classroom and about town. Which leads me to answering the questions!

Our classes are volunteer run. Parents teach and guide the classes, children's interests guide the classes we open and our upcoming themes and activities, and we all work together to create the environment we seek.

Cooperative learning means that every single person, each piece of our classroom, every book we read, snack we share or activity we facilitate, we all work together to learn and grow collectively. We're not a school, we're a community of learners. Each class has a guide who spends hours of their own time designing the third teacher- the environment- for each week's session. It sounds silly, but truly, there is method behind every moment of madness here.

So, basically, a co-op is like your homeschool family. Those you look to and lean on when things get shaky, who you laugh and play with, who you can support and be supported by. Having a co-op builds friendships for your kiddos, sure, but also for you. Because YOU MATTER!!

And of course, outdoor learning is just what it sounds like! We've collectively designed a classroom outdoors with the intention of creating imaginative spaces where children can explore and play independently. Of course, we've got slides and swings, but we also have some incredible opportunities cultivated by the kids and parents. Child-made gardens and tipis, parent built mud kitchen and tea room, climbers (created by Mother Nature and Daddies alike!), animals, trains, rideables and pushables, and so much more! And, because were outside, HUGE messes are encouraged!!

It's ever evolving, and we like it that way! Our two latest projects are a diy science experiment station for our Wildlings and a Junk Jamz music wall for our Forest Babies! Check back soon for those updates!

We have planned our classroom to be usable in most weather situations, and help parents prepare properly. We strongly believe there is no bad weather, just poor clothing choices for the weather! For circle time in the winter, we offer a big basket of cozy blankets, a small cozy campfire, and of course hot coffee and warm cocoa! In the summer, we load up on watergames, fresh fruit, and homemade ice cream!

For us, this is perfect. Everyday, the kids have a different teacher or guide. They learn about plants, animals, maths, science, reading, history, chemistry, social skills, and so much more! And, they don't even notice its school! They love it, and so do I <3

So, follow along as I share a bit of what we're doing! I'll try to share daily, but definitely weekly. And come play with us! There's always room for you here!