Who are the Leaders?
Hi! My name is Courtney(left) and I'm so excited to guide your children as we learn together about the natural world and all of its wonders. I am a 2nd generation homeschool mother of 3 and a Midwest girl at heart. Our family moved to Northeast Florida a few years ago and we are truly loving the long summers and extremely short winters. As an ever learning and sometimes successful backyard gardener I have experienced firsthand how nature truly nurtures the soul and revives the spirit. I am excited to share my Montessori background and constant desire to learn with your children. I can't wait to jump into Nature School with you and your family this season.
Hi, My name is Michelle(right). I was born and raised in South Florida. I'm a stop and smell the roses kind of gal who loves to make things from scratch and work with my hands. I try to incorporate that in my everyday, especially since I have two littles by my side (1 and 4 years old). I believe there is so much to learn and see in nature and we are truly able to do so when we slow down. I can't wait to encourage your children as they create and explore in nature. I am excited to help them see the gift of God's amazing design in all His creation.
What can you expect?
Nature Immersion
Nature Immersion offers children the opportunity to connect with nature, fostering a deep appreciation for the environment. Through outdoor activities, risky play and hands-on experiences, children develop a strong bond with the natural world.
Outdoor Education at TallowWoodSchoolHouse introduces children to practical life skills and outdoor survival techniques, instilling confidence and self-reliance. Through nature journaling, hiking, and wilderness exploration, children learn valuable life lessons.
"Never be within doors when you can rightly be without"
-Charlotte Mason
A Charlotte Mason Community
Charlotte Mason was a British educator in the late 1800s and early 1900s who believed that children learn best through rich experiences, time in nature, and living books rather than dry textbooks. She emphasized outdoor exploration, nature journaling, and building a lifelong love of learning. Her philosophy has inspired many modern nature-based and homeschool programs around the world.
The Art of Nature Journaling
Following the rhythm of seasons for NE Florida we will be practicing the skill of nature journaling. While doing so we will be observing the natural world and acquiring a reverence for living things.
When you observe and record it helps you to recall and appreciate.
Benefits of Nature Journaling:
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Patience
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Fine Motor Development
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Weather patterns + Animal observations
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Plant life cycles
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Every Child is an Artist
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Development of Senses
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Stewardship
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Color Development
Risky Play
Our kids:
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Throw rocks
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Make spears
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Use pocket knives
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Start fires
Risky Play allows them to:
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Understand their physical limitations
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Real tools must be used responsibly to decrease the chance of injury
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Injuries are a realistic part of life and cannot be avoided
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Some rewards are not worth the risk, This is risk assessment in its base form
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Cooperative play is necessary when there are limited resources
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Climb trees
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Run with sticks
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Jump from high places
Fall + Spring Semester Details and Dates
Students enrolled in Tallow Wood School House will receive a nature based education during 8 sessions in at outdoor classroom in accordance with the Charlotte Mason method of education. Each student will use a nature journal to document their observations of the local flora and fauna of Northeast Florida. Each week students will be introduced to a new topic which includes identifying animals, plants, habitats and weather patterns of Northeast Florida. Each session will include a hike where student will learn to safely identify local plants and animals. Students will give oral narrations after listening to nature lore read alouds and will participate in conservationist based games and activities. Our curriculum consist of the following resource:Anna B. Comstock. Handbook of Nature Study.
Fall Dates Spring Dates
9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Sept. 3rd + 17th 2026 Feb 4th + 18th 2027
Oct. 1st + 15th 2026 March 4th + 18th 2027
Nov. 5th + 19th 2026 April 1st + 15th 2027
Dec. 3rd + 10th 2026 May 6th + 13th 2027
There will be 8 sessions per semester, each session is 2.5 hours long.
The rate for each semester will be $80.00.
Please feel free to email us at Tallowwoodschoolhouse@gmail.com with any questions.
Courtney + Michelle
