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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Miss April Hidden Trails Owner

    Miss April

    Owner/K-2 Lead Teacher

    April Gihring opened Hidden Trails in September 2023, driven by a lifelong passion for nature and over 20 years of experience in teaching and caregiving. A dedicated educator and hands-on leader, April is certified in Nature-Based Teaching

  • Miss Bonni Hidden Trails Forest and Farm School

    Miss Bonni

    K-2 Lead Teacher

    Bonni serves as a Lead Teacher and 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.