Nature is Our Classroom
Creatures are our teachers. Nature treasures can transform into literally anything. Every lesson deepens kids’ connection to nature.
Play is How We Learn
Every lesson is engineered as an invitation to play that kids simply can't refuse. Since play is by definition imaginative and self-chosen, no two classes unfold the same way.
Child-Led is Our Motto
Kids learn best when they follow their own sense of wonder. Adults support each child's unique play process and individuality is celebrated.
About Our Program
Let Wonder Lead utilizes the Tinkergarten curriculum, a program designed by education experts for learners ages 18 months - 8 years old. The child-led, play-based approach is designed to support a wide range of children to engage in exploratory, meaningful learning, all while deepening their connection to the natural world we all share.
Each season of classes supports the development of one of 8 essential skills through weekly 60-minute lessons. Every two years, we repeat our 8-skill cycle, allowing learners to revisit core concepts at a more advanced developmental stage and adding new twists to the curriculum to delight teachers and children alike.
Camp Tinkergarten Summer 2024
This summer, we will explore our Sensory system, including some hidden senses many grown-ups never learned in school. Camp will run for five consecutive days, allowing a truly special community of mixed-age friends and likeminded caregivers to come out of these sessions.
Class Dates
9:30-11:00
August 19th
August 20th
August 21st
August 22nd
August 23rd
Program Cost
$200/week
Sibling discounts of 50% available for 2nd and 3rd child, increasing to 75% for additional siblings.
What Should I Expect?
Each class includes a brief circle time where we connect, meet a featured creature, and open our invitation to play. Kids are free to respond to the invitation as they see fit - each class is a collaboration between their ideas, the lesson plan, and even the day's weather! We wrap things up with story and tea time.
Free trials available for new explorers.
Drop-ins and Class Packs are offered.
About Me
Hi! I'm Kristen. I'm a former classroom literacy teacher whose ideals for quality education radically shifted when I had kids myself. It is clear to me now that kids learn best when they are empowered, outdoors, and a bit dirty. I love that our planet benefits from each child who develops a reverence for nature from an early age. As a mom of 2, I see the on-going benefits that regular outdoor, open-ended, mixed-age and child led play has had for my own kids and I can't wait for your children to let their wonder lead them during our time together.
Questions? Send me an email and we'll connect!
Class Policies and FAQ
What ages does the program serve?
The program is designed for children ages 18 months-8 years. Children younger and older than that age range are welcome to enroll and families are encouraged to try a free class to see if it is a good fit for their explorer.
How many children are in a class?
Classes have a minimum enrollment of 4 and maximum of 15. If a family registers for a class that does not meet minimum enrollment, you will be notified 24 hours prior to the start of class and will receive a refund or credit toward a future class.
Can siblings come for free?
Siblings under 18 months of age may join at no cost. If a sibling needs to attend due to scheduling change (eg. day off at school), they can attend up to two sessions without enrolling. Families are asked to notify the teacher if an extra child needs to attend for a session so they can prepare any necessary materials.
Are refunds offered?
If a refund is requested BEFORE the season of classes begins, families can receive a full refund (less any processing fees) or credit towards a future class. If a refund is requested AFTER the season of classes begins, families can receive a partial credit for a future season.
Are credits or refunds offered for missed sessions?
Credits and refunds are not offered for classes missed by families. Per teacher discretion, families may be able attend an alternate session in the same week. If more than two classes are cancelled/rescheduled by the teacher, families are eligible for a refund or credit for those cancelled sessions.
What is your make-up policy?
Whenever scheduling permits, explorers may attend the same session during a different class time to make-up a class. This must be approved by the facilitator in advance to ensure sufficient materials are available for all attendees.
What happens in inclement weather?
Decisions about whether it is safe to hold class are determined by the teacher using local weather guidance. The teacher will update families at least 90 minutes prior to class by email. If class needs to be cancelled due to unsafe weather, they may be rescheduled for the end of the season (up to 2 classes). Note that classes will not be cancelled due to rain only when temperature is above 50 degrees.