Welcome to
Nature Playgroup
Learn more about our unique parent & child program for kids ages 0-5
Our parent & child program connects parents and children to nature and community, while fostering confidence and development.
Daily Rhythm
Opening Circle
everyone is called together and circle time begins with our good morning song followed by other seasonal songs, finger plays, and group activities
Free Play
children are encouraged to utilize the play space available in whatever ways suit them
(and may choose to continue free-play instead of joining activities or story time)
Daily Activity
children are invited to participate in a guided seasonal activity or art project
Story Time
children are welcomed to join story time to hear a selection of seasonal stories
Lunch
seasonal lunch is provided for those who choose that option, or families may bring their lunch from home
Clean Up & Goodbyes
a dish washing station along with invitation to help tidy the play area offers children a meaningful way to contribute and feel included in their community
Why Free Play?
Free Play is crucial to children's development. The current default is to have very structured settings in which children are limited in their social engagement and freedom of movement , when often what suits them best at this age is the ability to simply experience the world around them.
We encourage children to explore & get dirty. There is much richness and life skill development to be had by experimenting with their environment and learning to navigate peer interactions.
About Our Space
Our Nature Playgroup is held entirely outdoors in all safe weather. We believe connection with nature is vitally important for healthy development.
Children will have access to fields, wooded areas, creek, trails, sand, mud kitchens, wagons, swing sets, dirt, mud, water, and more. We expect that kids will get dirty, and that is ok with us!
On rainy, snowy, or very sunny days, we set out our canopy as a place for cover when desired.
Lunch
Good nutrition is necessary after a day of play! Our organic lunch offerings are planned to be a nourishing end to each session.
In the cooler months, we enjoy a homemade bone broth based veggie soup, perfectly paired with long-fermented sourdough bread and rich grass-fed butter.
During warmer months, a lighter fare is served.
Gluten-free bread options are provided.
Apply to Secure Your Spot
In order to best serve our participants, we aim to bring together a balanced group of kids. We use a simple application process to assist in maintaining gender and age balance within the group, and we strive to have a space for every family. Please fill out the short application below and we will reach out to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a modern-ancestral way of education?
It is a fusion of knowledge and simplicity of our ancestors with awareness of the modern world. Remembering the old ways, while allowing for growth and evolution. Reviving practical skills and life lessons in a healthy community setting, while expanding our spiritual, emotional, physiological, and intellectual potential.
I want to drop my child off, can I do that?
No. Nature Playgroup is intended for children and their caregiver and is not a drop-off program. However, you are welcome to make arrangements with another caregiver or even another parent in the group if you are unable to attend with your child. If someone other than you will accompany your child, we ask that they are aware of, and in agreement with, our Membership Agreement and that you notify one of the facilitators ahead of time.
If you are looking for a regular drop off program and your child is in the 3-5 year old range we invite you to learn more about Starflower Early Childhood. If you are looking for a drop off program for your child in the 5-12 age range you can learn more about the North Star Program.
Are only parents allowed to attend with children?
Adult family members and family friends are welcome to attend playgroup sessions with you. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, nanny's etc. We ask that they be aware of, and in agreement with, our Membership Agreement to keep all attendees aligned with the safety and integrity of the group, and request prior notification if someone not listed on the initial enrollment form will replacing the usual attending caregiver(s) any given session.
Is this program affiliated with any religion?
New Earth Traditions Homeschool is not affiliated with any religious organization. We do not discriminate based on religion (or anything else!), nor do we favor any religion. We aim to incorporate holidays and cultural traditions of our enrolled families into our curriculum, and any religious topics are broached strictly from an educational standpoint. We do incorporate mindfulness and practices like qigong in some of our circles. If you have more specific questions please inquire by emailing [email protected]. Our programs operate out of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown facility, and are not affiliated with the church otherwise.
You mention keeping balance based partially on gender, do you discriminate based on gender?
No, we do not discriminate based on gender. We do however feel that balance within the group setting can create a more fulfilling experience for everyone, therefore, we do ask about gender so we can do our best to make that a reality.
My child is older than 5, can they attend even though they are above the 0-5 age range?
No. The parent & child Nature Playgroup is designed to meet children through age 5 in a way that is developmentally appropriate. Children beyond this range often desire a deeper experience, and because of this we would welcome you to read more about the North Star Program.
The exception is children turning age six mid year. Any child turning six after October 1st is welcome to join the Nature Playgroup.
Do you have details about the Volunteer Roles?
Below are the volunteer positions we have available. Spaces are limited and assigned on a first come first served basis. You can select your desired volunteer role when you fill out the initial enrollment form.
(3) Nature Playgroup AM Set-up- Wednesdays 10:00-10:30am setup & lunch help + (25% discount for one playgroup tuition, or, 5% for one NSP tuition)
(3) Nature Playgroup PM Clean-up- Wednesdays, lunch help & 12:30-1:00pm cleanup + (25% discount for one playgroup tuition, or, 5% for one NSP tuition)
( + Plus one or more community volunteer days throughout the year.)
