The Kettle & Crow
Diaries
Welcome!
Every month, we bring to your hearth stories from the woods, updates from our classrooms, and glimpses into the magic that our children create daily. While our main entries will be monthly, do keep an eye out for occasional notes, insights, and special stories sprinkled in between.
Navigate through our diaries to discover the heart of our forest school adventures, organized by topics:
✨ Woodland Wonders: Step into our daily journey of play, exploration, and the magical moments that make every day at Kettle and Crow unique.
🌱 Roots of Learning: Explore how the natural world unfolds as both teacher and classroom, offering boundless opportunities for discovery and growth.
🗺️ Family Adventure Guide: Empowering families with ideas, tools, and inspiration for weaving nature and learning into the fabric of home life.
🍂 Seasonal Rhythms & Revels: Journey through the seasons with us as we embrace and celebrate the natural rhythms and cycles of the earth.
To find posts under a specific topic, click on the topic to the right of this page.
We encourage you to sit back with your favorite brew and delve into the tales and tidbits that shape our wonderful community.
Welcoming the Longest Day: Our Solstice Traditions
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Kettle & Crow Forest School! Our community embraces the longest day of the year with enchanting traditions like building a fairy post and discovering magical treasures. Join us in fostering creativity, teamwork, and a deep connection with nature.
A Week of Wonder: Our First Full Week at Little Creek Ranch
Our first week at Little Creek Ranch in Ashland, Oregon was filled with joyful learning, creativity, and exploration. From painting with mud to bug hunting and preparing our new mud kitchen, our young explorers embraced each moment with curiosity and awe. Join us in celebrating these magical experiences in our mixed-age preschool and kindergarten.
May Day Magic: Celebrating Beltane with Color, Lore, and Nature’s Spirits
Celebrate May Day with Kettle & Crow! Join us for Maypole dancing, storytelling, and connecting with nature’s spirits. Learn about Beltane's magic, Gaelic folklore, and the deep bond we share with the Earth’s cycles. We invite all families to our Maypole dance this Friday!
Guide to Handling Ticks and Pests at Forest School
Exploring the outdoors is central to the forest school experience, offering invaluable lessons and adventures. Our comprehensive guide ensures everyone stays safe while enjoying nature. Learn about ticks, prevention tips, appropriate clothing, and effective repellents to keep your child protected at Kettle & Crow.
Celebrating Earth Day the Forest School Way
Monday, April 22nd marks Earth Day! At Kettle & Crow, we celebrate with activities like planting gardens, building bug hotels, and scattering wildflower seeds. Join us in fostering ecological literacy, responsibility, and a deep respect for nature in our children, as we embrace our new home at Little Creek Ranch.
Preparing Your Child for Forest School
Embarking on the forest school journey at Kettle & Crow is an exciting adventure. Prepare your child for this unique learning environment with essential tips on dressing appropriately, fostering independence, discussing expectations, encouraging curiosity about nature, establishing a good sleep routine, and ensuring proper nutrition and hydration. Set the stage for a successful and joyful experience.
Seasonal Rhythms: Cultivating Connection and Belonging Through Nature
At Kettle and Crow, our curriculum embraces the natural rhythms of the seasons, creating enriching experiences that foster a profound sense of place and belonging. Explore how spring, summer, autumn, and winter activities connect children to the earth and each other through planting, exploring ecosystems, harvesting, and reflecting. Join us in celebrating the cycles of nature and cultivating connections through outdoor education.
Why Choose a Forest School?
Discover the transformative benefits of forest schools at Kettle and Crow. In our Waldorf-inspired environment, children engage in untethered play and exploration, fostering gross motor development, scientific inquiry, and a deep sense of belonging. Learn how outdoor education nurtures confident, thoughtful growth in young minds. Explore more on our blog and visit Kettle and Crow Forest School for insights.
Embracing Spring: The Waldorf Approach to Renewal and Growth
Spring at Kettle & Crow bursts with renewal and vibrancy, aligning our activities with nature's awakening. Through nature walks, gardening, seasonal crafts, and storytelling, we immerse children in the cycles of growth and renewal. Explore how Waldorf education harmonizes with the rhythms of the earth, fostering intellectual and personal growth in this vibrant season.
Welcome to the Kettle & Crow Diaries
Welcome to the Kettle and Crow Diaries! Discover the heartbeat of our Waldorf-inspired forest school nestled in Southern Oregon. Join us as we explore daily adventures, educational philosophy, and seasonal celebrations. Become part of our community and share in the magical moments of learning and growth.