Nature Is Your Child's Teacher At The Steward Outdoor Day School

ESSEX, CT — Nature abounds and so does learning at the Steward Outdoor Day School in Ivoryton, CT. Led by Director, Jen Malaguti, the school teaches through nature, to engage students, promote critical thinking and create an atmosphere of communication, confidence, high-level learning and individualized instruction, all while exploring the wilds of the 740-acre classroom, the refreshing waters of the on-site lake, the wonders of the many and varied hiking trails, the skill-building rope course and the famous maple sugar shack.

With small class sizes of 10 students per cohort, a bevy of elective classes, such as; farm, woodworking, art, physical education, music, and more, the students are taught through thematic, experiential lessons. Incorporating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) practices, common core basics, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and state standards of education, as well as real-life, hands-on problem-solving this school teaches the whole student.

"This school has been a new learning portal for its students. Offering a new educational option for anybody who feels like traditional public school setting has not met the needs of their children," said Ann Courcy, Director of Admissions and Registrar.

Opening its doors in January 2021, each day at the nature-based Steward School begins with a multi-aged greeting circle, which according to Malaguti, is a great time to check in with one another, see how everyone is feeling and share with each other. Then it's onto math and science highlights, specials or electives, lunch/recess and literary STEM in the afternoon, either by the teepee or the lakeside.

"Something interesting we have noticed is the kids tend to like to write poetry by the lake and do their reading by the teepees," said Malaguti, a seasoned educator, who is enjoying watching her students grow and learn, submerged in nature.

The day ends with a gratitude circle and communication about what was the students, rose, thorn and bud of the day. In addition, the students get the chance to acknowledge the kind things that they noticed others doing that day.

"It has been so much fun watching these kids learning and learning with them," said Malaguti. "Not being confined to a classroom, and being given the freedom to be out in nature the majority of the day, is very special for them."

She added, "It is scientifically proven that nature has a calming effect, it helps to reduce stress and conflict, and it provides the students with a background to be constantly learning in. The students are still getting all the basics in learning they need, it's just that the information is being presented to them in a different way."

The first day of school for the Steward School will be Monday, September 13, (rolling enrollment accepted). The Steward School is a non-profit, there is no financial commitment to apply to the school, however, there is a tuition cost. Financial aid and scholarship are available.

For more information go to www.stewardoutdoordayschool.org. or call 860-767-0848. You can also email any questions to info@stewardoutdoordayschool.org.

Click here to subscribe to our daily email newsletters and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices for free. You can also support local journalism by donating as little as $5 a month to become a supporting member or by downloading our free Patch mobile app.