1st & 2nd Grade
Our Grades 1 & 2 program at Wild Wander Forest School is designed for children ages 7 to 8 years who are ready for deeper academic engagement while continuing to learn through inquiry, exploration, and connection to nature.
Our 1st & 2nd grade mixed-age class creates opportunities for peer modeling, mentoring, and differentiated instruction. Through hands-on science investigations, real-world math applications, and literature-rich discussions, students develop a deep understanding of academic concepts while learning to think creatively and independently.
Instruction includes Orton-Gillingham-based literacy, leveled reading practice, and writing through storytelling, journaling, and research projects. Math lessons are hands-on and often place-based—incorporating measurement, geometry, data analysis, and problem-solving using natural materials and real-world contexts.
Educators guide students through structured academic time and also leave space for students to explore their own curiosities, take academic risks, and pursue extended projects. Whether working in small groups, rotating through skill-building stations, or investigating questions like "How do animals adapt to winter?" or "What does a food web look like in our park?", students are learning by doing—and going deeper when interest takes root.
Days & Times:
Mondays - Fridays
8:10AM - 1:10PM
***Can be paired with Afternoon Enrichment***
Mondays - Fridays | 1:10PM - 2:10PM
A Day in the Life of a Wild Wanderer
Our daily rhythm supports the growing independence and attention span of first and second graders, while still honoring their need for movement, creativity, and connection.
Some of our Program Highlights Include:
Aligned with California content standards for both grade levels
Fully outdoors in diverse nature classrooms
Combines explicit instruction with open-ended inquiry and project-based learning
Emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving
Builds confidence in literacy, numeracy, and scientific thinking
Encourages students to extend learning beyond grade-level expectations when interest and readiness are present
8:10AM - 8:50AM
Morning Arrival
Students begin with a literacy or numeracy challenge, journal prompt, or question of the day to warm up their thinking and spark inquiry.
8:50AM - 9:10AM
Morning Meeting
8:30AM - 8:50AM – Morning Meeting
Gathering for community connection, weather/calendar observations, class updates, and intention setting.
9:15AM - 10:00AM
Literacy Block
Explicit instruction using Orton-Gillingham methods, small group reading practice, and writing in response to literature, nature journals, or thematic prompts.
10:05AM - 10:25AM
Snack & Story
Time to rest, refuel, and enjoy a read-aloud tied to current projects, interests, or social-emotional themes.
10:30AM - 11:15AM
Math Workshop
Hands-on math stations and group lessons incorporating patterns, measurement, geometry, and early problem-solving strategies using real-world applications.
11:20AM - 11:50AM
Science Block
Nature-based investigations, collaborative projects, and experiments driven by seasonal or student-led topics.
11:55AM - 12;25PM
Lunch & Independent Reading
Shared lunch followed by reading time—students may choose from nature guides, fiction, or research materials.
12:25AM - 1:10PM
Reflections, Journaling & Closing Circle
Time for drawing, writing, or recording discoveries from the day; includes group sharing, movement, and gratitude to close the learning day.
Our Forest 1st & 2nd Grade Program is for children aged 7 Years & 8 Years on or before Sept. 1st
