CURRICULUM
At The Barnyard Classroom, mornings awaken with movement and connection to the living world. Children begin their day outdoors, caring for and quietly observing the animals. Through this daily routine of tending and nurturing, they cultivate responsibility, empathy, and a heartfelt appreciation for nature’s gifts.
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In the afternoon, our focus gently shifts to the inner work of learning. Here, academic lessons arise naturally from the life of the farm—letters take shape through storytelling, numbers grow from counting seeds and harvests, and the mysteries of science unfold through observation and hands-on discovery. Guided by a spirit of freedom and self-paced exploration, children are invited to follow their own curiosity and delight in each new discovery.
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Our curriculum, lovingly crafted and taught by a certified Ontario teacher, aligns with the province’s educational standards—offering a bridge between Waldorf-inspired nature learning and strong academic foundations in literacy, numeracy, science, and engineering. Children learn not only from books but from the soil beneath their feet and the rhythms of the seasons, gaining knowledge grounded in real-world experience.
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Beyond traditional subjects, we nurture essential life skills—problem-solving, cooperation, and the blossoming of entrepreneurial spirit. Our students learn to care for the earth, work alongside peers, and take part in the farm’s seasonal projects, including planning and selling produce at the farm stand. These lessons prepare them not only for school transitions but for a life lived with purpose and joy.
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If you wish to see this living classroom in person, we warmly invite you to visit and experience the gentle harmony of learning at The Barnyard Classroom.
FALL
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Apple Cider Making – Understanding food preservation
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Pumpkin Harvest & Carving – Exploring seed-saving and composting
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Corn Husking & Drying – Learning about traditional farming methods
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Leaf Identification & Pressing – Studying the science behind changing colors
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Building Scarecrows – A fun farm tradition with a creative twist
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Preparing Animal Shelters – Winterizing coops and barns
WINTER
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Feeding & Watering Animals in Cold Weather – Understanding winter farm chores
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Ice & Snow Science Experiments – Observing freezing and melting processes
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Making Homemade Bird Feeders – Helping local wildlife during the cold months
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Cozy Storytime in the Barn – Reading farm-related books by the fire
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Hands-On Wool Projects – Carding, spinning, and felting wool
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Baking with Farm-Fresh Ingredients – Cooking warm, seasonal treats
SPRING
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Planting the Garden – Learning about soil, seeds, and plant life cycles
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Baby Animal Care – Helping with chicks, lambs, or goat kids
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Maple Syrup Tapping – Observing the process from tree to table
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Building & Installing Birdhouses – Learning about local birds and their habitats
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Pond & Creek Exploration – Investigating frogs, insects, and aquatic life
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Spring Cleaning the Farm – Tidying animal pens and preparing for new growth
SUMMER
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Tending to the Garden – Watering, weeding, and tracking plant growth
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Beekeeping Basics – Observing pollination and honey production
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Butterfly & Insect Studies – Raising caterpillars and releasing butterflies
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Farm Stand Management – Selling eggs, produce, and student-made goods
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Outdoor Art & Nature Journaling – Sketching landscapes and animals
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Wild Edible Foraging – Identifying and safely harvesting wild foods