2026 Spring Courses

Wild Roots uses its space to create learning environments and experiences for all students to thrive and love learning.  We use a hands-on approach to learning, implementing many educational philosophies, and offer full inclusion for all.  Our community garden provides a perfect opportunity to teach kids to love and honor the earth.

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We are introducing our daily independent learning lab which is an opportunity for students to join us for independent and quiet work time with supervision and needed assistant.  This is a great time for students to do their independent curriculums online or workbooks daily from 8:30-9:30

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Morning Meeting- Daily- We begin each day with a morning meeting focusing on social emotional learning.  We read a story, journal and discuss the topics to help grow together as good humans.

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Classes descriptions are listed alphabetically below.

 

American Sign Language (TK–5)

TK/K: Students are introduced to ASL through playful storytelling, songs, movement, and simple interactive signing. They build early communication skills and cultural awareness through hands-on, multisensory activities that help language stick. Learning happens through games, movement, and visuals that honor young learners’ developmental needs.
Grades 1–3: Students grow their expressive and receptive ASL skills through themed vocabulary, partner practice, and real-world applications. They engage in role-play, nature-based signing walks, and conversational activities that make language meaningful and fun.
Grades 4–5: Older learners explore conversational fluency, grammar foundations, and Deaf culture through interactive activities and collaborative projects. Students practice dialogue, storytelling, and visual communication in ways that build confidence, empathy, and cultural appreciation.

 

Applied Math Lab: Math in the Real World (Grades 6–12)

Students explore math through real-life, hands-on scenarios such as budgeting, trip planning, design challenges, data analysis, probability, and practical problem-solving. Aligned to middle and high school math standards, this class grounds math in authentic experiences instead of worksheets. Students work both indoors and outdoors, applying math to cooking, architecture, nature measurements, and entrepreneurial challenges. This course builds confidence, independence, and financial literacy skills essential for life beyond school.

 

Artist Studies (Grades 1–5)

Grades 1–3: Students study influential artists from around the world and recreate techniques through hands-on, nature-infused, mixed-media projects. They explore color, pattern, and texture in ways that nurture identity, creativity, and self-expression. Each lesson blends art history with open-ended exploration and outdoor inspiration.
Grades 4–5: Older artists dive deeper into style, symbolism, technique, and cultural context while developing their own artistic voice. Students experiment with layered materials, natural elements, and more advanced artistic tools to interpret the work of both famous and lesser-known artists. This class encourages thoughtful craftsmanship and personal creative development.

 

Biology: Dissection Lab (Grades 1–12)

Grades 1–3: Students gently explore biology through guided observations of simple specimens and hands-on, scaffolded dissection experiences designed for young learners. They build early scientific thinking, vocabulary, and respect for living systems using safe tools and age-appropriate models.
Grades 4–5: Learners deepen their biological knowledge through careful observation of slightly more complex specimens. They practice identifying structures, comparing organisms, and understanding systems through hands-on inquiry.
Grades 6–8: Students explore anatomy and systems more rigorously, conducting multi-step dissections aligned with life science standards. They learn scientific technique, documentation, and structure-function relationships.
Grades 9–12: High schoolers engage in advanced dissections and lab investigations that mirror real scientific study. Students conduct multi-specimen comparisons, analyze organ systems, and learn lab skills relevant to future biology coursework.

 

Book Club (Grades 1–12)

In this joyful reading community, students explore age-appropriate literature through discussion, art, reflection, and hands-on response projects. Younger readers engage in movement, dramatization, and creative extensions that bring stories to life. Older readers use annotation, dialogue, and inquiry to deepen comprehension and critical thinking. Across all ages, Book Club builds a love of reading, strengthens language skills, and cultivates connection through shared stories.

 

Build Your Own Civilization (Grades 1–5)

Students explore how civilizations form—government, agriculture, culture, geography, engineering, and community systems—through immersive hands-on projects. They design maps, build structures, create artifacts, and develop their own societies using natural and recycled materials. Aligned to social studies and geography standards, this class teaches historical thinking through imagination and problem-solving. Students collaborate, negotiate, design, and present their civilizations with pride.

 

Celebrations Around the World (TK–5)

Students travel the globe through hands-on projects, crafts, storytelling, music, and cultural exploration of different holidays and traditions. They learn about community, diversity, geography, and global connections in age-appropriate ways. Lessons include cooking simple foods, making cultural art, exploring traditions outdoors, and building foundational world-awareness. This joyful class nurtures curiosity, empathy, and appreciation for the world’s many cultures.

 

Cleanup Crew (Grades 1–5)

Students help care for the Wild Roots campus through stewardship, teamwork, and environmental responsibility. They learn organization, pride, and respect for shared spaces while participating in meaningful daily routines. This class builds community values, leadership habits, and connection to the environment through hands-on work both indoors and outdoors.

 

Community Projects & 4H (TK–12)

Students engage in authentic community service, gardening, animal care, and stewardship projects aligned with 4H values and real-world skills. They learn responsibility, teamwork, and leadership while participating in long-term projects that make a meaningful impact. Older students take on expanded roles in planning, presenting, and leading community-centered work. This class fosters pride, independence, and a strong sense of belonging—rooted in nature, service, and action.

 

Contemporary Art & 3D Design (TK–12)

Students explore modern art, sculpture, balance, form, and design by engaging in hands-on, multi-dimensional artmaking with clay, wire, recyclables, natural treasures, and mixed media. Each project blends creativity with problem-solving and design thinking. Outdoor exploration inspires patterns, textures, and forms found in nature. Students develop craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic confidence through a mix of guided instruction and open-ended building.

 

Creation Studio (Grades 4–5)

A deep-dive art experience where students pursue multi-week projects such as sewing, sculpture, fabric art, and mixed-media builds. Students learn planning, craftsmanship, and perseverance as they bring meaningful creations to life using both natural and traditional materials. This class encourages independence, imaginative thinking, and artistic risk-taking in a supportive, studio-style environment.

 

Culinary Club: From Scratch (Lunchbox Snacks) (Grades 1–5)

Students learn cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and food science by creating homemade versions of familiar snacks like graham crackers, gummy snacks, and crackers. They measure, mix, knead, and taste while learning where ingredients come from and how real food fuels our bodies. This hands-on culinary class builds confidence, independence, and joy in the kitchen.

 

Cursive & Creativity (Grades 1–5)

Students learn or refine cursive handwriting through creative invitations like nature journaling, quote copying, poetry writing, and artistic lettering. Lessons include movement breaks, outdoor practice sessions, and choice-based writing prompts that make handwriting meaningful. Students build fine-motor coordination and expressive confidence through calm, mindful practice.

 

Draw It All! (Grades 1–5)

Students learn drawing techniques such as shading, proportion, perspective, character design, contour lines, and observational sketching. They practice drawing both indoors and outdoors, using nature as inspiration for textures, shapes, and details. This class builds artistic confidence through hands-on practice, visual exploration, and creative expression.

 

Eco-Entrepreneurs (Grades 1–5)

Students design eco-friendly creations and sustainability solutions using recycled and natural materials. Through hands-on building, testing, and redesigning, they learn environmental stewardship and early entrepreneurial thinking. This class empowers students to see themselves as problem-solvers and changemakers who can make a real impact on their world.

 

Earth Movers: PE Team Challenges (Grades 1–5)

Students develop strength, balance, teamwork, and coordination through outdoor games, obstacle courses, and movement challenges. Activities emphasize cooperation, communication, and joyful physical activity. The natural environment becomes their playground, supporting physical health and confidence.

 

Early Phonics (TK–K)

A multisensory, structured literacy class rooted in the science of reading. Students practice phonological awareness, letter-sound fluency, blending, segmenting, and early decoding through movement, songs, hands-on materials, and playful routines. This class supports emerging readers in building strong, joyful foundations for literacy success.

 

Fairy Tale Feasts (Grades 1–5)

Students read fairy tales and then bring them to life by cooking themed recipes inspired by each story’s culture, characters, and setting. They explore global traditions, food science, and storytelling while practicing kitchen skills. This magical, hands-on class blends literacy, culinary arts, and creativity in a way that delights young learners.

 

Farmhands (Grades 1–5)

Students take on the role of young farmers as they care for plants, animals, and outdoor learning spaces in meaningful, hands-on ways. Through daily stewardship tasks, children learn responsibility, problem-solving, and how living systems depend on one another. Lessons integrate life science standards and real-world agricultural skills, helping students understand cycles, seasons, and sustainability. This class builds pride, empathy, and a deep connection to the land.

 

Forgotten Skills: Sewing, Canning, Gardening & Cooking from Scratch (Grades 6–12)

Students learn heritage-based skills that blend creativity, independence, and practical craftsmanship. Through hands-on projects, teens sew, garden, preserve foods, and cook using scratch methods rooted in sustainability and traditional practices. Lessons integrate home arts, science, and mathematical reasoning as students measure, plan, and create. This class empowers students to build self-reliance and reconnect with skills that have shaped communities for generations.

 

Garden to Table: Gardening, Cooking & Nutrition (TK–12)

Students plant, tend, and harvest fresh produce while learning how food grows, what nourishes our bodies, and how to prepare simple, wholesome recipes. Each lesson blends science, nature exploration, and hands-on culinary experiences, connecting students to the earth and their food sources. Children learn environmental stewardship, teamwork, and nutrition through joyful, outdoor-centered activities. This class fosters curiosity, wellness, and lifelong healthy habits.

 

Getting Rooted: Mindfulness & Nature Journals (Grades 1–12)

Students slow down and reconnect with themselves through mindfulness practices, nature journaling, breathwork, and reflection. Lessons incorporate outdoor observation, gratitude exercises, and simple grounding strategies tailored to each age group. Students learn emotional awareness, stress regulation, and confidence through creative expression and time in nature. This peaceful class helps learners feel centered, supported, and connected to their inner world.

 

Golden State History (Grades 4–5)

Students explore California’s rich history—from Native California tribes to the Gold Rush, agricultural development, Hollywood, and modern innovation—through hands-on projects, mapping, storytelling, and artifact-style activities. Lessons bring history to life through role-play, model building, nature walks, and creative presentations. Students develop historical thinking skills while connecting events of the past to the landscapes and cultures around them. This class sparks pride and curiosity about the state we call home.

 

Human Anatomy: Our Amazing Bodies (Grades 4–5)

Students investigate human body systems one at a time through models, diagrams, hands-on experiments, and creative building projects. They explore how structures work together to keep us healthy while integrating life science standards and age-appropriate vocabulary. Lessons include movement activities, outdoor demonstrations, and engaging simulations that make anatomy come alive. Students gain body awareness, curiosity, and respect for how wonderfully complex the human body is.

 

Imagination Station (TK–3)

Each week, students step into a new role—vet, doctor, conductor, scientist, chef, explorer—and build imaginative worlds around it. Through dramatic play, art, storytelling, and hands-on design challenges, children develop creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills. This class encourages curiosity and confidence by letting students explore identities and ideas through play. Outdoor props and nature materials enhance each imaginative theme.

 

International Taste Lab (TK–5)

Students travel the world through cooking, tasting, storytelling, and hands-on food exploration. Each week highlights a different culture’s flavors, traditions, and cooking techniques, helping students build global awareness and culinary confidence. Lessons blend geography, cultural studies, and nutrition with joyful, hands-on experiences. Students become curious, open-minded explorers of food and the world.

 

Kitchen Chemistry & Edible Reactions (TK/K-3)

Students explore chemical reactions using safe, edible ingredients that bubble, change color, foam, or transform in surprising ways. Lessons build early scientific understanding through sensory play, inquiry, and guided observation. This class blends chemistry, cooking, and curiosity into joyful, hands-on experiences that make science feel like magic. Students explore states of matter, mixtures, solutions, and reactions using everyday kitchen materials. Through experiments that fizz, bubble, change temperature, or transform textures, students practice scientific thinking and observation. Lessons integrate CA science standards with hands-on inquiry and joyful exploration.

 

Leadership & Goals (Grades 4–5)

Students learn personal leadership by exploring goal-setting, responsibility, communication, and collaboration through hands-on projects and reflective practices. They work together to plan, create, and support classroom and community initiatives. This class helps learners build self-confidence, independence, and foundational leadership skills in a supportive environment.

 

Life Skills / Skills to Thrive (Grades 4–12)

Students learn practical life skills such as budgeting, home management, organization, meal planning, time management, and personal responsibility. Through hands-on tasks, real-world scenarios, and collaborative challenges, students build independence and confidence. Lessons integrate executive functioning strategies and early financial literacy. This class prepares students for personal success at home, school, and beyond.

 

Math Games (Grades 1–5)

Students strengthen numeracy, reasoning, and problem-solving through cooperative math games and strategy challenges. Lessons focus on building confidence and fluency through joyful, hands-on practice rather than worksheets. Outdoors and indoors, students explore math through movement, teamwork, and playful discovery.

 

Math in the Wild (Grades 4–5)

Students explore measurement, geometry, estimation, and numerical reasoning using outdoor materials such as sticks, stones, natural structures, and real-world landscapes. Lessons link math to nature through projects like building shapes, measuring trails, analyzing patterns, and solving practical problems. Students develop strong conceptual understanding by applying math in meaningful, hands-on ways.

 

Monsters, Myths & Legends (Grades 6–12)

Students explore global mythology, folklore, and legendary creatures through inquiry, art, storytelling, and cultural analysis. They examine how myths reflect beliefs, fears, values, and traditions across societies. Hands-on projects include mapmaking, creature design, comparative mythology studies, and artistic exploration. This class deepens cultural literacy, imagination, and creative thinking.

 

Musical Theater (TK–12)

Students explore acting, singing, character development, and movement through joyful, age-appropriate theater experiences. Younger performers build confidence through storytelling, imaginative play, and ensemble games, while older students develop stage presence, vocal technique, choreography, and performance skills. Rehearsals emphasize teamwork, creativity, and self-expression. Students participate in our Spring Musical Showcase, experiencing the excitement of bringing a full production to life.

 

Nature Art (Grades 1–5)

Students create beautiful works of art using natural materials like leaves, stones, flowers, and wood. Lessons integrate environmental observation, texture exploration, and outdoor inspiration to help students notice patterns and beauty in nature. Projects are hands-on, sensory-rich, and develop an understanding of eco-art and sustainability. Students explore artistic expression while deepening their connection to the natural world.

 

Not Your Average Design & Engineering (Grades 1–5)

Students solve creative engineering challenges using unconventional materials like cardboard, duct tape, recycled plastics, natural items, and Legos. Each class presents a problem to solve through hands-on building, testing, and redesigning. Students learn measurement, geometry, collaboration, and design thinking while working with both structured and open-ended engineering invitations. Imagination and innovation lead the way as students create solutions that are both functional and fun.

 

PE in the Wild (Grades 6–12)

Students move their bodies outdoors through hiking, trail exploration, and fitness activities that build endurance, strength, and balance. Lessons incorporate navigation skills, teamwork, safe outdoor practices, and an appreciation for local ecosystems. Students learn to challenge themselves physically while connecting with nature and developing lifelong wellness habits. PE in the Wild emphasizes resilience, community, and joyful movement.

 

People Before Us: World History & Ancient Civilizations (Grades 6–12)

Students study ancient civilizations through immersive, hands-on inquiry, exploring artifacts, mapping, cultural practices, and major global developments. Lessons emphasize critical thinking, comparative history, and connections between past and present. Students build models, decode symbols, analyze stories, and investigate how geography influenced human life. This class nurtures historical understanding through creativity, analysis, and engagement with primary-source style materials.

 

Pinata Making (Grades 6–12) (Part of Rotating Studio Projects)

Students explore the cultural origins and artistic techniques behind traditional piñata making while creating their own sculptural pieces. They design, build, paper-mâché, and decorate piñatas using both natural and recycled materials. Lessons highlight craftsmanship, patience, and cultural appreciation as students learn the step-by-step process of constructing a 3D art piece. This hands-on studio experience strengthens creativity, design skills, and cultural understanding.

 

Pop! Fizz! Wild Chem Lab (TK–3, 4–5)

Students explore bubbly, fizzy, color-changing chemical reactions through hands-on experimentation and guided scientific inquiry. Younger learners build foundational understanding of states of matter and cause-and-effect, while older students investigate variables, mixtures, and reactions with more advanced tools and processes. Lessons incorporate safety routines, observation skills, and joyful discovery. Students are encouraged to make hypotheses, test ideas, and embrace the messiness of science.

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Process Art (TK–5)

Students explore open-ended, sensory-rich art experiences where the focus is on creativity, curiosity, and experimentation rather than final products. Materials may include clay, watercolors, natural elements, paper, collage, and many messy, tactile mediums. Lessons support brain development, fine-motor skills, confidence, and emotional expression. This class celebrates imagination and the joy of creating without limits.

 

Wild Real Estate & AirBNB Management (Grades 6–12)

Students learn real-world entrepreneurship by exploring design, hospitality, budgeting, staging, hosting, and property management concepts. They complete hands-on projects such as creating floor plans, developing design boards, evaluating rental markets, and planning guest experiences. Lessons integrate financial literacy, marketing, and problem-solving in meaningful ways. This class prepares students for future leadership through creative and practical applied learning.

 

Rotating Studio Projects (Grades 6–12)

Students rotate through multi-week studio sessions featuring block printing, sewing, butterfly pinning, piñata sculpting, scientific illustration, and other specialized art forms. Each rotation emphasizes craftsmanship, patience, creativity, and mastery of artistic techniques. Students work independently and collaboratively while gaining experience with advanced materials and tools. A $50 supply fee supports the high-quality materials needed for this in-depth studio experience.

 

Science of Reading: Early Readers (TK–3)

Students build foundational literacy skills using evidence-based practices aligned with the science of reading. They develop phonological awareness, decoding skills, fluency, and confidence through multisensory activities, small-group routines, and structured literacy instruction. Lessons incorporate movement, hands-on materials, and joyful reading experiences that support emerging readers. This class gives students strong and lasting early reading foundations.

 

Spanish (TK–8)

Students learn Spanish vocabulary, conversational phrases, and cultural traditions through movement, music, storytelling, and hands-on exploration. Younger learners acquire language through songs and visuals, while older students practice structured dialogues, cultural discussions, and thematic units. Lessons promote comprehension, confidence, and appreciation of Spanish-speaking cultures. Students build communication skills through immersive and joyful language experiences.

 

STEAM Story Lab & Engineering Challenge (Grades 1–3)

Students begin each class with a captivating story, then identify a problem within the narrative and engineer a solution using building materials, natural objects, and recyclables. They practice collaboration, creativity, and early engineering design thinking. Lessons blend literacy with STEM as students plan, build, test, and revise their designs. This class encourages imagination while grounding engineering concepts in meaningful storytelling.

 

STEAM Challenges (Grades 1–5)

Students tackle weekly engineering tasks using Legos, craft materials, natural resources, and recycled items to design creative solutions. Challenges are hands-on, student-driven, and intentionally open-ended to promote problem-solving and innovation. Lessons integrate science, math, teamwork, and creativity while encouraging experimentation and iteration. Students learn to think like engineers while having fun building and exploring.

 

Storytelling Puppet Theater (TK–5)

Students bring stories to life through the creation of puppets, sets, characters, and simple scripts. Younger learners engage in dramatic play, literacy-rich storytelling, and expressive movement, while older students develop more intentional narratives and collaborative performances. Through hands-on building and imaginative role play, students strengthen communication, creativity, and early writing skills. This class encourages confidence and joyful expression as stories leap off the page.

 

Student Government & Events (Grades 6–12)

Students practice leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving as they help plan events, address student needs, and support our community. They learn how to run meetings, discuss proposals, and design meaningful projects that impact the Wild Roots campus. Lessons introduce civic responsibility, communication, and real-world decision-making skills. Students experience what it means to be active contributors and thoughtful leaders.

 

Tales of the Ancient World: Anthropology & Archaeology (Grades 1–5)

Students explore ancient civilizations through hands-on projects such as simulated digs, artifact creation, storytelling, and mapmaking. They investigate how early humans lived, worked, created, and adapted to their environments through engaging, inquiry-based activities. Lessons promote historical thinking, cultural understanding, and curiosity about the world’s earliest stories. Students build connections between past and present through creative exploration.

 

Toxic: The World’s Deadliest Creatures (Grades 1–5)

Students study venomous, poisonous, and otherwise dangerous animals through scientific inquiry and hands-on learning. They examine adaptations, habitats, food webs, and survival strategies using models, research, and creative projects. Lessons build observation skills and environmental awareness while emphasizing respect for wildlife. Students leave with a deeper understanding of ecology and the incredible diversity of the animal kingdom.

 

Trash to Treasure (TK–5)

Students transform recyclables, natural materials, and discarded objects into imaginative art pieces or functional creations. Lessons emphasize sustainability, design thinking, and hands-on building as students learn how everyday items can be repurposed. Children explore creativity, environmental stewardship, and problem-solving through joyful upcycling. This class supports innovative thinking while promoting care for the Earth.

 

Video Productions, Game Design & Digital Marketing (Grades 6–12)

Students explore storytelling, visual media, branding, and game design through hands-on digital projects. They learn the fundamentals of filming, editing, scripting, animation, and online content creation. Through collaborative design challenges, students build technical skills and creative confidence. This class highlights communication, media literacy, and modern digital entrepreneurship.

 

Voices Unleashed: Poetry & Rhyme (Grades 6–12)

Students write, speak, and perform original poetry while exploring rhythm, imagery, and voice. They read mentor poems, participate in creative workshops, and develop expressive writing through reflection and performance. Lessons build literary analysis skills while nurturing confidence and emotional expression. Students grow as writers and performers through supportive community and open-ended creativity.

 

Wild Math (TK–3)

Students explore numeracy, early geometry, patterns, measurement, and problem-solving through outdoor and nature-based activities. Hands-on materials like stones, sticks, leaves, and natural structures help learners internalize mathematical concepts. Lessons integrate movement, sensory exploration, and inquiry to build strong foundational math skills. Students gain confidence and curiosity by seeing math in the world around them.

 

Wild Roots Wellness: Movement & Mindfulness (TK–3)

Students practice calming breathing techniques, yoga-inspired movement, sensory awareness, and grounding exercises in a playful and developmentally appropriate way. Lessons blend indoor and outdoor activities to help learners connect their bodies, emotions, and surroundings. Students develop emotional regulation, strength, balance, and self-awareness through joy and movement. This class supports whole-child wellbeing in a peaceful and nurturing environment.

 

Wild Things: Nature Explorers (TK–3)

Students become naturalists as they explore local habitats, weather, plants, and animals through outdoor adventures. They practice observation, sensory exploration, and simple field science skills while learning how living things interact. Lessons blend storytelling, hands-on science, and nature walks that invite curiosity and wonder. Students gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and their role within it.

 

Wild Wonders: Earth Phenomena (Grades 1–5)

Students investigate natural forces such as volcanoes, storms, earthquakes, and weather patterns through experiments, models, and hands-on inquiry. Lessons build scientific understanding of how Earth changes and responds to natural phenomena. Outdoor exploration and creative problem-solving help students connect science concepts to real-world environments. This class sparks excitement about geology, climate, and the dynamic nature of our planet.

 

World Art, Global Cultures & Design Thinking (Grades 6–12)

Students explore artistic traditions, cultural patterns, and global design styles through hands-on artmaking and creative problem-solving. They study how art reflects culture while building advanced skills in drawing, painting, textiles, sculpture, and mixed media. Lessons incorporate cultural research, design challenges, and reflective creativity. Students develop global awareness, artistic technique, and innovative thinking through a rich blend of world art and hands-on exploration.

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