The Soil and Seeds of Life

“Short version: For the child. . ., it is not half so important to know as to feel. If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow. . . . It is more important to pave the way for a child to want to know than to put him on a diet of facts that he is not ready to assimilate.”

The words of Rachel Carson, famed scientist known best for her book “The Silent Spring,” ringing the bell of warning about the dangers of pesticides, this being back in the 50s and 60s, a lone woman, standing tall among a man-dominated profession, taking on the giant chemical companies and demanding change.

She is best known for that book, but it is also important to recognize her work, as an educator, in making sure that children are raised to appreciate nature and are given every opportunity to interact in a natural environment.  Truly she was one of the pioneers in the U.S. for a nature-based learning approach in education.

Fast-forward to 2023 and we see the nature-based approach gaining steam and momentum in the U.S.  More and more states are recognizing the need to educate the “whole” student and, by doing so, effectively educate, stimulate, and inspire.  Our roots, as humans, are in nature; what could be more natural, then, but to return to those roots and use them to grow strong, well-balanced children?

Sequoia’s Farm and Forest School Program aims to do exactly that.  Yes, there are times we will be in the traditional classroom setting, but our main focus is out in nature where it is proven that results are achieved and learning improves, not only at an early age, but throughout childhood.