ABOUT | Morning Song School

What Is Forest School?

Forest school is a global movement focused on holistic learning through immersion in nature. The long-term, sustained approach to learning in the outdoors creates a safe, supported environment for whole child development. The Forest School model embraces the living context of the natural world as the basis for creative learning and the development of "21st Century Skills" such as problem-solving, communication & resilience. Perhaps most importantly, Forest School is a philosophy, but not an ideology. Our program is adaptable and child-led, and focused on the healthy development of each child as they explore and experience learning in the natural world.

Our Approach

Place Based Learning

Place-Based Learning (PBL) is a educational framework that utilizes the specific geographical and regional environment to as a tool for deep learning. PBL is an effective and meaningful way for children to learn about concepts such as natural resources, life cycles, diversity and sustainability.

Emergent Curriculum

Emergent Curriculum is a method and practice of teaching in which the course of study emerges in real time based on teacher observation of each child's unique learning needs and interests. Emergent learning in Forest School is focused on development of the whole child through play, exploration and discovery in the natural world.

Supported Risk Taking

Immersion in nature provides ongoing opportunities to experience age appropriate risk through the challenges and elements inherent to the natural environment. In Forest School, these risks are both individual and collaborative and help childrent to develop confidence, resilience and teamwork skills.

Meet Our Staff

Shannon Hodges, BSW

Director & Early Education Leader

Hello & welcome, I am so glad that you are here! Growing up, I was a curious, creative child. I LOVED reading, and I had a gift for imaginative play. However, school was difficult for me. I felt misunderstood and often unhappy at school and had trouble focusing. As I grew older my grades suffered and I did not have confidence in my abilities. Only as an adult did I begin to learn about the Theory of Multiple Intelligences that my school experience began to have context. When my own children became school age I frequently volunteered in their classrooms and saw that many children struggle as I did to have their gifts celebrated in the mainstream environment.

When the pandemic arrived in 2020, virtual learning was not for us, and I took on the new role of a homeschooling mom. Immediately, it was clear that the more I pushed my learning agenda, the more they resisted. However, when we got out of our four walls and into the natural world and when they were able to lead with their own interests and aspirations, the more they thrived. Those moments of connection felt magical and inspired my interest in child-led and nature-based learning.

In early 2022, I completed the Forest School Teacher & Director certification program through The Forest School Teacher Institute, endorsed by Southern Adventist University in Chattanooga, TN. I hold a bachelor's degree in Social Welfare from the University of Kansas and I am currently pursuing my master's degree in Innovative Early Childhood Education through the University of Colorado-Denver.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share time in nature with our wonderful students. Thank you for your interest in our program!

Sincerely,

Shannon Hodges, BSW (She/Her/Hers)

Natalie Hubbard (she/her) Homeschool Enrichment Program Leader

Throughout my life, I have made it a goal to spend time outdoors as much as possible. Morning Song Forest School is a union of my passions of living a land-based lifestyle and youth education. I have worked in traditional schools, as a garden educator, and as a curriculum developer, but I have never had the opportunity to work with children in an educational setting that is entirely outside. I believe that exposure to our natural world is both nourishing and essential for all of us, and am excited to facilitate meaningful experiences for youth outside.

In addition to 10 years of experience in youth education, I have a background in ecological research, organic farming, and mindfulness. These work experiences have cultivated a sense of responsibility of stewardship of our natural communities in me, and it is through these lenses, I plan and develop curriculum.

I am thrilled to be a part of the Morning Song team and look forward to partnering with families to providing your child with engaging, rigorous, and place-based education

Rachel Allai, Assistant Leader

Hello! I am so incredibly happy and grateful to be here. I have been falling madly in love with the natural world since I was a small child. My favorite place was usually perched in a tree or hanging out with animals. When I decided to pursue a degree in wildlife biology, my big plan was to take care of wild animals and learn the art of rehabilitation. I moved to Kansas from St. Louis to attend Baker University and graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in 2009.

My passion for this planet has taken me to the rainforests of Australia, Costa Rica, India, and even Alaska. Each time, my eyes opened wider to the intense beauty of this world. I volunteered as a wildlife rehabilitator, worked as an environmental educator, and even spent trips abroad building aerial bridges for wildlife. The more I learn about the complexities of our natural communities, the more I am in awe.

Today, I am thrilled to find myself at Morning Song Forest School. Children have the amazing capacity to connect to nature with ease and enthusiasm. By giving them space to explore and learn about our native ecosystems, it is my belief that they will in turn learn more about themselves and how they are reflected in nature.

The diversity of Kansas' forests and prairie grasslands are the perfect classroom to learn, grow and inspire each other. I am so grateful to be here in this time and space!