Place Based Education

Our weekly meetups will occur within a 10 mile radius of our 2 Scott Dyer Rd. location. For the purposes of this group we consider Roots Learning Studio to be our "base camp".

Site selection depends on the topics we are learning about as well as seasonal changes and weather. Every Monday, our Assistant Director hikes through several locations and selects a spot that best fits our needs and goals for that week. When we were learning about weathering and erosion, we visited crescent beach state park, and later on, kettle cove, to observe the ways in which historic high tides had changed those landscapes. When learning about how animals adapt and survive in Maine in the winter time, I selected a location with chipmunk holes and squirrel middens. Visiting the site ahead of time also helps our Educators to anticipate what might interest and engage the students, or capture their imaginations. When the location is chosen with intention, the teaching and learning happens naturally as children explore the space.

Our curriculum combines NGSS at the appropriate grade levels with seasonally relevant topics that allow students to connect to the natural spaces around them at a given time of year. Our Kindergarten curriculum focuses on building a foundation for further inquiry– we learn and practice how to use our 5 senses to stop, notice, and wonder about what is around us. Alongside basic observational skills, students follow the seasons to learn about plants, maine animals, decomposers, water, and weather.

Curriculum in the older grades will loop every few years to accommodate our mixed age classrooms. Last year, our Woodlands class focused on plants. This year, they are primarily investigating abiotic, or nonliving parts of an ecosystem, as well as changes they cause over time. Next year, we will focus on animals, nutrition, and body systems. As we add another grade level next year, we will be able to incorporate more coastal and marine education into our curriculum as well.

While some physical science standards are also explored outside, we have additional engineering centered programming that happens on the Roots campus.

The simple practice of noticing and wondering helps students develop as scientists, but it also teaches them a routine of slowing down and being present in a place. A focus on the senses, and what we can observe with each of them, also brings students into the present moment. As with all of our programming, we frequently use calming breaths and simple group activities to help us stay feeling connected, calm and engaged in our bodies throughout the day.

As students get older and build their comfort with being outdoors, we begin a practice of silent sit spots in a natural setting. Almost every outdoor day includes spending some reflective time both alone, with a partner, and in the whole group.

Creating authentic opportunities for walking, climbing, running, and lifting is an important part of our time outdoors. Our Educators work hard during our days in the field to continually notice (there’s that word again!) and adjust to the energy of the group and the needs of the individual student in the context of the physical space. While there is ample time for movement and being outdoors for a full day provides a sensory rich experience, big body play isn’t our sole focus

We're working on it! Our dream is to have a van dedicated to exploration with our students. This will enable us a bit more spontaneity, and hopefully make programming even more accessible by easing the burden of drop off and pick up in different locations.

As much as possible! In the event of soaking rain or extreme wind / cold we will have the option to spend the day inside at basecamp. In the event of difficult driving conditions, we will follow our local school district for closure decisions.

Yes! While we are subject to current health and safety protocols that may limit parent involvement in our outings, it is our goal to include regular volunteer opportunities, and opportunities for parents and community members to share skills, interests, and time with our Learners.