Homeschool Nature Education

Fall 2010

Dear Homeschool Parents,

We are very excited to be receiving so many inquires about Homeschool for Fall 2010. There will be Homeschool sessions this fall but we are still in the process of planning dates and topics. If you would like to be contacted as soon as everything is set, please call 215-887-6603 and leave your name and phone number.

~The Briar Bush Education Staff

Spring 2010

Homeschool students are provided with exceptional opportunities to explore and learn about a variety of environmental topics through hands-on lessons and activities. A love of nature, learning and the outdoors provides the focus for this unique educational experience.

• A good portion of most classes are held outdoors (in most cases rain or shine), so students are asked to please come dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.
• Lesson hand-outs will be available for students and parents.
• Students will have a journaling activity at the end of each lesson, so please send your child with a notebook each week.
• Non-participants are welcome to stay at Briar Bush during class, but are asked to remain separate from the class to eliminate distractions.

Lesson Structure
Beginning this year, students will be working with all Briar Bush educators to have a more comprehensive experience during the course of the Nature Education classes. Students will learn about science concepts through experience, in the form of field studies. Each month will have a new theme that both age groups will examine with age-appropriate curriculum and activities.

Due to parent requests, we will have a short journaling period at the end of each lesson. Younger students may be provided with a fill-in-the-blank style sheet or asked to draw a picture. Students who can read and write will have a written journaling activity. This will not only provide the child with a reflection period after the lesson is complete, but will also allow them to better share their experiences when they go home. Students will also be receiving worksheets to accompany each lesson. Some may be completed during the lesson at Briar Bush, while others may be used as a lesson extension at home. It is our hope that this will help the students continue building on the knowledge and experience they gained during their time at Briar Bush.

All of the Briar Bush educators are very excited for this new, collaborative Nature Education series. If at any time you have a question regarding any of the lessons your child has completed, or even how to further experience the lesson at home, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to working with your children!