Knowledge webs: Connecting ideas in all directions

This Month at Cedarwood

Curiosity-driven learning rarely unfolds in straight lines. A child might dive into complex chess strategy before mastering simpler puzzles. They might solve multiplication equations before consistently printing their numbers in the correct direction. They might design an elaborate cafe menu before formally studying certain writing conventions. They might ask ecological questions sparked by deer sightings long before “ecosystems” appears as a formal topic. These are all true stories of this past week!

Earlier in my teaching career, working within more conventional school structures, this was something I often questioned. Learning was frequently presented as a ladder... one rung after another, in a prescribed order. And yet, children so clearly think and explore in webs rather than lines.

Here in the forest, we see those webs forming daily. Ideas overlap and interests intersect. Gaps are filled when the need arises, not because they were scheduled, but because they became meaningful. The progression may not look linear, but it is coherent.

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March Stay & Play

We are looking forward to hosting our second Stay & Play for the community. Open to families and children of all ages!

Join us in the forest for two hours of child-led outdoor play. Children are invited to explore, play, and connect with each other in the forest. Please dress for the weather

Friday, March 13

1:00–3:00 pm

Cedarwood Community and School

Free to attend

Email us to sign up

Book Club

Interested in learning more about child-led learning, self-directed education, or alternative approaches to schooling? Our book club is open to anyone who’d like to join.

This month, we’ll continue reading Free to Learn by Peter Gray and will be discussing the remainder of the book together at our next meeting.

Sunday, March 15 at 3:00 pm

Bring along a mug to enjoy some tea while we chat. Nursing babies are always welcome. :)

September Enrollment

Fall enrollment is now open!

If you’d like to enroll your child for September and they are not currently enrolled at Cedarwood, please reach out to us to schedule a conversation and learn more about the enrollment process.

Cedarwood Cabin Rental Opportunities

When school is not in session, our cabin space is available for both part-time and one-time rentals.

The space may be a good fit for:

• Office or quiet work space
• Healing and therapeutic sessions
• Small group gatherings or one-time events

Inquire for availability and rates

As always, thank you for being part of our Cedarwood community.

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-Brigitte & Laura

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