Rooted in Learning

A Peek Into The Little School’s Learning Environment
A Peek Into The Little School’s Learning Environment
The Little School

  • Learning in Action
Our Philosophy in Action: Daily Life at The Little School
Our Philosophy in Action: Daily Life at The Little School
The Little School

Parents often wonder, "What will a typical day look like for my child?" At The Little School, each day is designed with purpose—balancing structure and spontaneity to create a joyful, engaging, and...

  • Progressive Education Insights
Why Families Choose The Little School
Why Families Choose The Little School
The Little School

For over 65 years, families have chosen The Little School for its unique blend of progressive educational approach, a strong sense of community and a deep connection to the natural world. But what...

  • Progressive Education Insights
Making Space for Tough Questions
Making Space for Tough Questions
The Little School

Training, planning and curriculum can only do so much for a teacher. No amount of reading the insights of educational theorists, carefully detailing lesson plans or thoughtfully setting up a...

  • Progressive Education Insights
Purposeful Discussion in the Math Classroom
Purposeful Discussion in the Math Classroom
The Little School

When I reflect on what is most important to me as an educator, I land time and again on student voice and belonging. Each year, I work hard to build a safe, purposeful learning community where...

  • Learning in Action
Using Play to Support and Inspire the Emerging Writer
Using Play to Support and Inspire the Emerging Writer
The Little School

"We do not want to teach children something that they can learn by themselves. We do not want to give them thoughts that they can produce by themselves. What we want to do is activate within...

  • Cultivating Curiosity & Creativity
Math in 4th and 5th Grade
Math in 4th and 5th Grade
The Little School

Katie Warden teaches 4th and 5th grade students at TLS. When asked how multiplication and division are taught in 4th and 5th grade at TLS, she created the video below. While it was specifically...

  • Learning in Action
Rainy Days – An Invitation to Play
Rainy Days – An Invitation to Play
The Little School

“A rainy day is the perfect time for a walk in the woods.” – Rachel Carson Rain, rain, go away Come again another day Many of us have heard this popular English language nursery rhyme, and some of...

  • Cultivating Curiosity & Creativity
Thematic, Integrated Unit Planning: Immersive Academics Harness Imagination
Thematic, Integrated Unit Planning: Immersive Academics Harness Imagination
The Little School

The Dust Bowl – Balloons – Stories of Survival – Dakota Access Pipeline Protests – World Records – Athletic Endurance – Literary Classics – The Black Lives Matter Movement – Erosion – Monuments –

  • Cultivating Curiosity & Creativity
Seizing Children’s Capacity to Put Care into Action
Seizing Children’s Capacity to Put Care into Action
The Little School

“To prepare a student for the future life means to give him command of himself; it means to train him so that he will have the full and ready use of all his capacities.” – John Dewey, American...

  • Progressive Education Insights

Rooted in Learning is a resource for families who believe that education should be as dynamic as their child’s curiosity. Designed for parents and educators exploring independent schools, our blog offers thoughtful perspectives on the role of nature, creativity, and curiosity-driven learning in a child’s early development. Whether you’re researching preschool and elementary school options, considering a school transition, or simply looking for ways to understand your child’s learning experience, our blog offers expert perspectives and actionable insights. Rooted in The Little School’s vision of fostering sustainability, justice, and joy, our blog helps you explore the benefits of blended indoor/outdoor education, social-emotional growth tied to intellectual growth, and teaching that inspires a mindset of lifelong learning—so you can confidently choose the right environment where your child can thrive.

TLS staff