My daughter attended the Groton Farm School (GFS) for three academic years, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. Sending her to GFS was one of the best decisions that I made for my daughter. Under the guidance of Shelly Sullivan and her wonderful team of colleagues, she developed both academically and socially. Equally important to her academic and social growth, was the happiness she experienced each day at school. She loved going to school and looked forward to spending time with her multiage classmates and, of course, the animals on the farm. Due to the multiage nature of the school, the children cultivated caring and supportive friendships with one another.
The benefits of the outdoor learning opportunities at GFS were numerous. Instead of being confined to one classroom, students had access to a 20 acre farm as their learning space. Walking in the pasture, writing on lap desks in the orchard, completing art projects in the gazebo, and conducting science experiments in the garden are just a few examples of the way nature was an important component of daily activities on the farm. In addition to being able to learn academic concepts while exploring the natural world, students also develop a sense of confidence, responsibility and compassion from working with the farm animals. For example, my daughter spent a lot of time working with the bunnies on the farm and was able to guide other students in the proper care of this particular animal. The farm provided her a space to not only develop academic but also leadership skills.
When it was time for her to transition back to public school, she had developed all of the skills needed to transition to a traditional classroom setting as well as a sense of independence and confidence as a learner. The team at GFS ensured that she cultivated the reading, writing, math, social studies and science skills needed to enable her to be successful in a public school setting. Moreover, while at GFS, she cultivated a curiosity for learning that she will carry with her throughout her lifetime.
On a personal note, I work in the field of higher education and had the opportunity to bring pre-service teachers to visit the school. My students were able to observe that “one size doesn’t fit all” and that there are many benefits of a nature based classroom setting. GFS is a very special teaching and learning community that meets learners where they are at. I am incredibly grateful for Shelly Sullivan and her colleagues for the positive and lasting impact they had on my daughter.