Huckleberries
Kindergarten - 2nd
Our K–2 program offers a rich, hands-on learning experience rooted in nature and aligned with Washington State Learning Standards. Set entirely outdoors, this program combines academic excellence with the wonders of the natural world, sparking curiosity, confidence, and a love for lifelong learning.
Students explore foundational subjects—reading, writing, math, science, and social studies—through dynamic, play-based and inquiry-driven lessons. Whether counting pinecones to understand math concepts or writing journal entries under a forest canopy, children engage in meaningful activities that build core skills while nurturing their creativity and critical thinking.
Social-emotional development is woven throughout the day, supported by collaborative projects, outdoor challenges, and plenty of space for movement, expression, and reflection.
By blending academic rigor with child-led discovery and daily connection to the outdoors, our K–2 program supports the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—while preparing them for success in school and beyond.
Curriculum
Hidden Trails proudly incorporates Treehouse Nature Study curriculum as a foundation for our seasonal, nature-based learning. Thoughtfully designed for child-led exploration, this curriculum blends outdoor discovery with meaningful academic enrichment. Children engage in nature notebooking, hands-on projects, and “beauty subjects” such as poetry, picture study, and music—all rooted in the rhythm of the seasons.
Treehouse Nature Study is ideal for mixed-age learning, making it a perfect fit for our nature school community. Whether your child is in preschool or upper elementary, this curriculum invites them to slow down, connect deeply with the natural world, and grow through joyful, curiosity-driven learning.
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10:00 AM – Welcome Circle & Nature Connection
Morning greeting, songs, movement
Weather observations, mindfulness, and nature-based intention-setting
Overview of the day
10:30 AM – Core Curriculum Block
Rotating focus on Math, Literacy, Science, or Social Studies
Activities aligned with Washington State Learning Standards
Examples:
Math: Nature-based counting, patterns, measurement with sticks and stones
Literacy: Journaling, phonics games, storytelling from nature
Science: Animal tracks, life cycles, plant identification
Social Studies: Community roles, indigenous land acknowledgments, seasonal rhythms
11:30 AM – Free Play & Exploration
Unstructured play in the forest or meadow
Tree climbing, fort building, imaginative role play, nature art
Teachers observe and support social-emotional growth and inquiry
12:00 PM – Lunch & Story Time
Shared picnic-style lunch
Read-aloud under the trees or student-led storytelling
12:30 PM – Guided Nature Project or Hike
Hands-on, inquiry-based learning
Examples: Scavenger hunts, habitat building, creek studies, natural art
Focus on deepening ecological understanding and teamwork
1:15 PM – Snack & Reflection Circle
Nourishing snack with time to rest and connect
Sharing highlights of the day, gratitude practice, peer appreciation
1:45 PM – Closing Activity
Song, nature journal prompt, or mindfulness practice
Transition to pickup with a calm and grounded ending
2:00 PM – Dismissal
Hugs, high-fives, muddy boots, and happy hearts
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Kindergarten–Second Grade Outdoor Program
Our Kindergarten–Second Grade program offers an enriching, nature-immersive curriculum that supports academic and social development through outdoor experiential learning.
Monday–Thursday
Your Teachers
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Miss Sarah
Lead Teacher
Sarah Craft is the Lead Teacher with the Huckleberries class at Hidden Trails. Born in eastern Washington and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she’s called Enumclaw home for over 20 years.
She joined Hidden Trails in October 2023 as one of the very first team members, when the school had just 10 students and a camp tent for nap time. Sarah holds an associate degree in human services and social work. She loves guiding children through social-emotional learning, helping them navigate big feelings with patience and care, and especially cherishes being outside in all weather. Sarah is mom to two young boys—Asher and Bodhi—with a third on the way this October. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, traveling, and making memories with her family.
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Miss Cassie
Assistant Teacher
Cassie Sobkowiak is a Teacher Assistant in K-2 at Hidden Trails, where she started just two weeks ago. Originally from Michigan, Cassie has been caring for others from a young age—as the oldest of three siblings, a Sunday school teacher in high school, and later as a live-in au pair in Italy in 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a minor in Political Science from Northern Michigan University.
Cassie loves the energy and spirit of the children at Hidden Trails, and one of her favorite daily moments is watching the pair of bald eagles that soar overhead. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Frank and Beans, and is passionate about outdoor adventures like snowboarding, whitewater rafting, foraging, hiking, and mountain biking.
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Miss Bonni
Substite
Bonni serves as the Administrative Assistant at Hidden Trails, where she brings organization, efficiency, and a warm touch to the day-to-day operations. Passionate about nature and education, Bonni ensures seamless communication between staff, families, and the community while supporting the school's mission of fostering a love for the outdoors in every child.
Bonni thrives on keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. When not coordinating schedules, handling inquiries, or streamlining administrative processes, she enjoys spending time with the goats, and exploring nature.