Duration: September 9th- November 19th

Tuesdays and Wednesdays (10:30 AM – 2:30 PM)

Little Acorns Daily Schedule:

🌿 Monthly Community Excursion & Parent Volunteer Opportunity
Once a month, our Little Acorns program will include a special community excursion to explore nature, local parks, or community spaces. These outings provide hands-on learning experiences that connect to our weekly themes. We encourage parent volunteers to join us for these excursions to help support the group and enhance the learning experience.

10:30 – 10:50 AM | Morning Circle & Welcome (20 minutes)
Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Language Arts

• Greetings and group check-in to practice expressing feelings and sharing thoughts

• Songs or finger plays to promote listening and speaking skills

• Overview of the day to set routines and expectations, promoting executive functions

10:50 – 11:50 AM | Nature Exploration & Outdoor Play (60 minutes)
Focus: Math (Geometry, Measurement), Science (Seasonal Effects), Physical Education

• Nature walk with observation of seasonal changes and collection of objects (e.g., leaves or rocks)

• Exploration of patterns in nature (introducing geometry)

• Unstructured outdoor play for large motor development and social engagement

11:50 AM – 12:35 PM | Lunch & Free Play (45 minutes)
Focus: Health and Physical Education (Nutrition), Social and Emotional Development

• Outdoor picnic-style lunch with conversations about healthy eating and practices

• Time for unstructured play to encourage social engagement, friendships, and cooperation

12:35 – 1:35 PM | Story Time & Creative Activity (60 minutes)
Focus: Language Arts (Reading, Comprehension), Social Studies (Families, Cultures), Music and Art

• Read-aloud session with books about families, communities, or nature

• Art project or craft related to the story, promoting creative expression

• Group discussion to build comprehension and appreciation for different cultures

1:35 – 2:00 PM | Movement & Music Time (25 minutes)
Focus: Music and Art, Physical Education, Social Development

• Singing and dancing to develop rhythm and creative expression

• Parachute games or yoga to promote large motor skills and social cooperation

2:00 – 2:20 PM | Hands-On Exploration (20 minutes)
Focus: Science (Life Processes, Physical Properties), Math (Problem Solving), Approaches to Learning

• Garden time (planting, watering) or sorting natural objects to explore life systems and physical properties

• Use natural materials for problem-solving activities (e.g., creating patterns or counting objects)

• Encourage curiosity, initiative, and persistence through open-ended exploration

2:20 – 2:30 PM | Goodbye Circle & Pick-Up (10 minutes)
Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Approaches to Learning

• Closing song or reflection to reinforce routine, friendships, and positive coping skills

• Set intentions for the next session, promoting attentiveness and cooperation

Integrated Areas of Focus

• Math: Geometry, Number Sense, Measurement, Data, Problem Solving

• Science: Inquiry and Problem Solving, Physical Properties, Life Processes and Living Systems, Seasonal Effects

• Social Studies: Families, Cultures, Geography, Communities, Rules and Routines

• Language Arts: Listening, Speaking, Writing, Reading (e.g., Comprehension, Phonological Awareness)

• Music and Art: Creative expression through singing, dancing, painting, etc.

• Health and Physical Education: Large and small motor development, healthy practices, nutrition

• Approaches to Learning: Executive functions, persistence, initiative, curiosity, cooperation, attentiveness

• Social and Emotional Development: Managing emotions, positive coping skills, developing friendships, social engagement, self-awareness

Duration: September 9th- December 19th (14-weeks)

Thursdays and Fridays (10:30 AM – 3:30 PM)

Mighty Maples Daily Schedule:

🌿 Monthly Community Excursion & Parent Volunteer Opportunity
Once a month, our Mighty Maples program will include a special community excursion to explore nature, local parks, or community spaces. These outings provide hands-on learning experiences that connect to our weekly themes. We encourage parent volunteers to join us for these excursions to help support the group and enhance the learning experience.

10:30 – 10:50 AM | Morning Circle & Welcome (20 minutes)
Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Language Arts

• Group check-in, greetings, and overview of the day

• Set intentions and reflect on the previous week

• Practice self-expression and build connections through group discussions

10:50 – 11:30 AM | Nature Exploration for Math (40 minutes)
Focus: Math, Science

• Outdoor exploration to inspire mathematical thinking using natural objects

• Engage in observations that spark curiosity and scientific inquiry

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Math Exploration (60 minutes)
Focus: Math, Approaches to Learning

• Hands-on math activities tailored to each child’s individual level, aligned with VA SOL for their specific age group

• Incorporate movement-based activities for engagement and problem-solving

12:30 – 1:10 PM | Lunch & Free Play (40 minutes)
Focus: Health and Physical Education, Social Development

• Outdoor picnic lunch followed by unstructured play in the garden or treehouse

• Encourage friendships, social engagement, and cooperative play

1:10 – 1:40 PM | Nature Exploration for ELA (30 minutes)
Focus: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science

• Explore the environment to inspire storytelling and creative writing

• Collect natural objects or reflect on observations for writing prompts

1:40 – 2:30 PM | ELA Block (50 minutes)
Focus: Language Arts, Social and Emotional Development

• Reading and writing activities personalized to each child’s individual level, aligned with VA SOL for their specific age group

• Write personal narratives or nature-inspired stories

• Participate in read-aloud or independent reading sessions

• Group discussions to build comprehension and storytelling skills

2:30 – 3:00 PM | Science or Social Studies (30 minutes)
Focus: Science, Social Studies, Approaches to Learning

• Engage in hands-on experiments or nature-based projects

• Participate in group activities that connect science to real-world applications

3:00 – 3:30 PM | Closing Reflection & Pick-Up (30 minutes)
Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Approaches to Learning

• Reflect on the day’s learning and experiences

• Celebrate individual and group successes

• Set goals and intentions for the following week

Integrated Areas of Focus

• Math: Aligned with VA SOL standards to meet the individualized needs of each child’s specific age group

• ELA (English Language Arts): Aligned with VA SOL standards to meet the individualized needs of each child’s specific age group

• Science: Inquiry, life processes, physical properties

• Social Studies: Communities, geography, rules, and routines

• Health and Physical Education: Motor development, healthy practices

• Approaches to Learning: Curiosity, initiative, persistence, cooperation

• Social and Emotional Development: Expressing emotions, building friendships, self-awareness

Overview of the Day

This 5-hour schedule strikes a balance between structured academics, outdoor exploration, creative projects, and social engagement. The individualized approach ensures that each child’s learning in both Math and ELA aligns with VA SOL standards, meeting them where they are developmentally.

The thoughtful combination of academic lessons, free play, and hands-on nature activities fosters both intellectual growth and social-emotional development, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.

Noble Oaks Mentorship Program

🌿 Monthly Community Excursion & Leadership Opportunity
As part of the Noble Oaks Mentorship Program, participants will take part in a monthly community excursion to explore nature, local parks, or community spaces. These outings are designed to provide leadership experiences where mentors can guide younger students, participate in hands-on learning, and connect real-world experiences to their studies.

🌟 Mentorship Focus: Noble Oaks participants will develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills by serving as role models for younger students during activities. They will also participate in advanced learning experiences tailored to their developmental needs.

Noble Oaks Daily Schedule

10:30 – 10:50 AM | Morning Leadership Circle (20 minutes)
Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Language Arts, Leadership

• Group check-in, greetings, and overview of the day

• Mentors set personal goals and reflect on their leadership roles

• Develop skills in active listening, conflict resolution, and team-building

10:50 – 11:30 AM | Nature Exploration & Peer Mentoring (40 minutes)
Focus: Math, Science, Leadership

• Mentors assist younger Mighty Maples students during outdoor math exploration

• Guide discussions, support observation skills, and promote curiosity

• Participate in advanced observation activities with a focus on environmental science

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Advanced Math Exploration (60 minutes)
Focus: Math, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking

• Participate in hands-on math activities that extend Mighty Maples lessons

• Engage in problem-solving tasks, strategy games, and advanced skill development

• Mentors may help younger students during math activities as part of their leadership role

12:30 – 1:10 PM | Lunch & Peer Social Time (40 minutes)
Focus: Health and Physical Education, Social Development

• Mentors enjoy a relaxed outdoor picnic-style lunch

• Opportunity for Noble Oaks participants to connect socially and build friendships

• Mentors may assist in supervising and guiding younger students during free play

1:10 – 1:40 PM | Nature Exploration for ELA (30 minutes)
Focus: Language Arts, Science, Social Studies

• Mentors collect observations, journal findings, or brainstorm writing ideas

• Engage in discussions about environmental themes, conservation, and leadership in nature

1:40 – 2:30 PM | Advanced ELA & Writing (50 minutes)
Focus: Language Arts, Creative Writing, Communication Skills

• Engage in deeper discussions about literature and storytelling

• Participate in writing activities such as essays, nature-inspired stories, or poetry

• Mentors may model effective writing skills for Mighty Maples students during shared activities

2:30 – 3:00 PM | Science or Social Studies (30 minutes)
Focus: Science, Social Studies, Leadership

• Participate in advanced science projects, experiments, or environmental studies

• Collaborate on group projects that explore ecosystems, sustainability, or cultural themes

• Mentors may help lead discussions or facilitate group activities

3:00 – 3:30 PM | Closing Reflection & Mentor Check-In (30 minutes)
Focus: Social and Emotional Development, Leadership Skills

• Reflect on the day’s learning, mentorship experiences, and personal growth

• Celebrate successes and set intentions for future mentoring opportunities

• Develop mindfulness practices to support emotional well-being and leadership confidence

Integrated Areas of Focus

• Leadership Development: Mentorship training, conflict resolution, goal-setting, and communication skills

• Math: Advanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategy games

• ELA (English Language Arts): Creative writing, reflective journaling, and deeper discussions about literature

• Science: Environmental science, sustainability, and ecosystems

• Social Studies: Cultural awareness, community connections, and leadership in social settings

• Health and Physical Education: Physical movement, mindfulness, and stress management

• Approaches to Learning: Independence, persistence, initiative, curiosity, cooperation, attentiveness

• Social and Emotional Development: Managing emotions, leadership skills, teamwork, and empathy

Overview of the Program

The Noble Oaks Mentorship Program offers a dynamic learning experience for Mighty Maples graduates seeking to develop leadership skills while continuing to explore academic concepts in a meaningful way.

By engaging in mentorship, peer collaboration, and independent study, Noble Oaks participants will deepen their understanding of core subjects while building confidence as role models in the Little Roots Academy community.

This program balances academic growth with leadership development to empower students to thrive as independent thinkers, creative problem solvers, and compassionate leaders.