DECEMBER



🍂 Into the Woods – What We’re Learning This Month

Our “Into the Woods” study invites children to explore forests, woodland animals, plant life, and outdoor discovery through hands-on, play-based learning. Here’s what we’re focusing on across developmental domains:

🐿️ Science & Nature

• Identifying woodland animals (deer, squirrels, owls, foxes, bears)
• Exploring animal homes: nests, burrows, dens
• Investigating plants, leaves, bark, pinecones, seeds
• Observing seasonal changes in the forest
• Learning about life cycles (trees, mushrooms, small creatures)

✏️ Literacy & Language

• Introducing forest-themed vocabulary (habitat, nocturnal, forest floor, canopy)
• Retelling stories about animals and nature
• Listening for beginning sounds using woodland picture cards
• Practicing pre-writing strokes inspired by nature shapes (sticks, leaves, animal tracks)

🔢 Math Concepts

• Counting woodland objects (acorns, stones, pinecones)
• Comparing sizes: big/small logs, tracks, branches
• Sorting natural items by attribute (color, shape, texture)
• Creating simple patterns using forest materials
• Exploring spatial awareness through nature-based building

🎨 Creative Arts

• Leaf rubbings, bark texture art, and nature collages
• Painting with natural tools (pine needles, sticks)
• Dramatic play: woodland animal costumes and pretend camping
• Music and movement inspired by forest sounds and animal movements

🤸 Motor Skills

Fine Motor

• Pinching acorns or clothespin “animal paws”
• Threading “vines” or stringing wooden beads
• Cutting leaf shapes and tearing paper for nests

Gross Motor

• Animal-movement games (hop like a rabbit, glide like an owl)
• Obstacle courses that mimic forest exploration
• Outdoor scavenger hunts

❤️ Social–Emotional Learning

• Practicing gentle behavior through “caring for the forest” themes
• Cooperative play in pretend camping or shelter-building
• Talking about feelings using animal behavior (e.g., “How does a scared bunny feel?”)
• Building confidence by exploring new outdoor environments

🌲 STEM & Inquiry Play

• Building log cabins with sticks
• Making simple shelters
• Exploring light and shadow under “forest trees”
• Investigating animal tracks using clay or sand
  

Tuition

We offer full time and part time childcare options.

Full Time Tuition

FT Tuition for age 1 is $325 weekly

FT Tuition for age 2 is $285 weekly

FT Tuition for ages 3 - 5 is $265 weekly

Part Time Tuition

PT Tuition for ages 1 and 2                 

2 Days Tues/Thurs $180

3 Days Mon/Wed/Fri $270

PT Tuition for ages 3 – 5                     

2 Days Tues/Thurs $160           

 3 Days Mon/Wed/Fri $240

Tuition includes meals, rest-time items, enrichment programs, and our full educational curriculum.

Do you need help paying for childcare?

Archer Academy participates in the State Certificate Program, offering eligible families financial support toward childcare expenses.
To begin your application for the program, please click the button below.