Forest and Farm Days provide year-round outdoor learning experiences at Wheeler Farm for K-5 students. Forest Days take place once or twice per 8-day cycle in Kindergarten and Third Grade and are woven into our science, literacy, art, and social studies curricula.  First, Second, Fourth, and Fifth graders head to the Farm approximately once per month.  These Farm Days give students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in culminating projects that cap off units of study; to experience a taste of the Sixth Grade Farm Program as they look ahead to Middle School; and to spend time hiking, sledding, and exploring with their peers. All Lower Schoolers know that a journey to Wheeler Farm is a chance to engage in inquiry-based learning, mindful moments, observations of nature, and playful adventures.

The Benefits Found in Forest and Farm Days

• Engaging the outdoors is good for children
  Nature play is beneficial for all aspects of a child’s development, including cognitive, physical, social, and emotional.

• Playing in the natural environment is fun
  Imagine the thrill of catching frogs, building forts, pretending to be fairies and wolves, gathering rocks for treasures, and turning sticks into musical instruments.

• Exposure to nature develops a child’s confidence
  Children who play in natural settings show improved language and collaboration skills, develop a sense of self, and build empathy for others.

• Navigating the woods is good for problem-solving
  Creative thinking, stronger sequencing, and planning and organizational skills are built when children have opportunities to make decisions and problem-solve.

• It’s healthy
  Children who spend more time outside are more physically active, have strong gross and fine motor skills, and are more resistant to stress and anxiety. Nature play is calm and unhurried, allowing for focus, motivation, and enthusiasm to learn.

• Wild spaces engage the senses
  Open to all Children who play in “wild spaces,” explore the diversity of the natural world, engaging all their senses while developing stronger awareness, reasoning, and observation.

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