Location: Folsom
Day & Time: Thursday 1:10-2:20
Grade: 3rd-4th
Mentor: Molly Hightower
Email: hightower331@gmail.com
 
Nature, Art, & Journaling

This class provides students with a calm and supportive pause in their day—a time to slow down, reflect, and reset so they can feel grounded, focused, and ready to learn. Through gentle discussion, reflective journaling, and nature-inspired art, students will begin building foundational skills that support attention, emotional awareness, confidence, and personal growth.
 
There is no pressure for spelling or formal writing in this class. Journaling is focused on expression, not correctness. Students are encouraged to share their ideas through drawings, pictures, simple words, or early writing—whatever best matches their developmental stage and helps them communicate their thoughts.
 
Throughout the year, students may experience special visits from live animals such as rabbits, snails, or birds, as well as interesting plants and natural objects for observation. These experiences will inspire journaling and art activities while encouraging curiosity, observation skills, and connection to the natural world.
 
Students will also have optional opportunities to share their work and reflections with the class. These presentations are always low-pressure and supportive, with guidance provided to help students communicate ideas in a simple and confident way.
 
Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will develop early self-awareness, confidence in creative expression, and foundational communication skills. Students are expected to participate gently and respectfully, engage in activities at their own level, and build comfort expressing thoughts through art and simple journaling.
 
Class Activities:
Guided journaling (drawing, early writing, or simple words), reflective discussion, nature-inspired art, observational activities, optional sharing, and occasional presentation opportunities.
 
Materials:
Students will need a journal of choice (approximately 8x10 size; dot grid or bullet journal style preferred but not required), a 1-inch binder with a clear front sleeve, a backpack, and a water bottle.

All classes are full-year classes. Students enrolled in a Fall Semester class will automatically enroll for the Spring Semester in December to ensure their place in the class. Pricing is per semester.