Instruction 2025-26

The 3 Seasons Hybrid Homeschooling Program will provide a unique combination of nature-based education and traditional learning opportunities. Our location, a diverse and beautifully maintained 36-acre property on Sagamore Creek, is our greatest asset.

Teachers set organized learning goals for the 3-day students based on the Common Core State Standards for reading and math. However, we won’t use a packaged curriculum in pursuit of these goals. Teachers plan and customize small-group lessons and collaborative activities for each learning goal. Many activities feature the tree and shellfish species of Creek Farm. Our focus will remain on outdoor enjoyment and education, math development, literacy, biological science and art. 

Math

Our math is active, collaborative and a main focus of the 3 Seasons program. We use components of Wild Math, in which collections of natural objects such as clam shells, pine cones and acorns are used for counting, sorting, graphing, weighing, problem solving and experimenting. In the classroom, a wide variety of math manipulatives aid in the introduction of place value, geometry, measurement and the operations, key learning goals in the primary grades. As young students develop writing and organizational skills they begin to record their math work in journals. A supplemental work text, possibly “Math Mammoth,” may be used with 2nd graders. Children move at their own pace, without pressure or restraint. Support, extra practice and challenges are provided as needed. 

Science and Art

We believe that science education should be hands-on, so we choose to study the vivid biology that Creek Farm offers us in the form of diverse tree species, leaves, plants, birds and shellfish. Children’s natural enjoyment of the outdoors is greatly enhanced when they begin to learn fascinating facts about it. Our study of the many mollusks and crustaceans of the intertidal zones has been very popular and has inspired a lot of artwork, measurement, experimentation and new games. Our academic subjects are often integrated in this way.

Literacy

Since 3 Seasons did not implement a reading program this year, our 2025/26 plans are still in development. But we can share these details:

- Word study and phonics will play a large part in our program. We’ll use components of the Wilson Fundations program.

- A balanced program will be provided, including word study, read-alouds, writing and fluency practice in a variety of materials, much of it non-fiction.

- A 2 or 3-day program is not sufficient time to practice the all-important skill of reading in the critical K-2 age range. Parents should plan on supplementing with reading work at home.