Joyful Saplings Learning Center
A self-paced, nature-based, child-led learning environment where education is truly individualized and children learn through play and exploration. Our little Montessori-based microschool.
What is Joyful Saplings?
We are a family-owned and operated school (with some help from lovely friends) on our family’s property where we offer a wide range of opportunities to learn. We use Montessori-inspired curriculum and also pull from our many years of experience as educators and parents. Our core beliefs follow Maria Montessori’s philosophies of following the child and learning through play. Joyful Saplings offers both drop-off classes for ages 3 through 6, as well as enrichment classes for children ages three and up, including their adults, if they want to stay and learn as well! We strive to foster a community that nurtures the whole child, as well as the whole family!
Our programs
Joyful Saplings offers a primary (3-6) classroom experience as well as weekly enrichment opportunities.
Primary classroom
Designed for ages 3-6, this class utilizes Montessori materials and lessons, while following each child’s unique path to learning.
Sign Language for Kids and adults
A weekly enrichment opportunity for the whole family! Led by skilled sign language users, this class is an opportunity to learn the basics of sign language in a fun and engaging way.
Pottery- Handbuilding classes
These classes are held in a three-week series every few months. The whole family is welcome to create and glaze a piece of clay pottery!
Here at Joyful Saplings Learning Center, we foster a community of love, acceptance, and respect for all.
Our Classroom
Joyful Saplings uses the Montessori approach in our primary classroom, supplemented with best practices and techniques gleaned from years of experience as both educators and parents. We have many materials the children are encouraged to use in both traditional and creative ways. The Montessori way of life is more than materials and lessons; it is a deeply rooted belief in honoring each child in their unique way of developing and learning. Our classroom is our home, which is perfectly aligned with Montessori’s belief that school should be like a “second home” for children. Another Montessori tenet is that “play” is interchangeable with “work” in the classroom. Children this age learn primarily through play and exploration, and every activity they choose is valuable and viewed with respect.
