WonderPath
Learning
Education
through experience
Our Vision
We are the keepers of childhood.
We hold the space for wonder, exploration, and adventure, as we magically discover the world together with our children.
When we celebrate our own curiosity and passion,
we inspire our children
to do the same.
We educate through experience, place, mentorship, culture, and celebration.
Our children will find connection as they play freely in nature and as they learn through
hands on experience (body),
observation (spirit), and
well-formed questions (mind).
We find that when we nurture our relationship with the world around us, we cultivate a deeper sense of who we are as children of God.
We hope that as our children discover beauty and strength in the natural world, they will ultimately find it in themselves.
That by guiding them to these truths, they will know...
They are loved.
Who we are
We are small communities of families and teens that love to wonder, explore, and adventure together.
We have formed co-op style groups that meet weekly to create profound moments in a social environment.
We support families that choose alternative education such as homeschooling, online education, private organizations or pods.
MOTTO
We are loved
How We Learn
What is a
WonderPath?
A WonderPath is a complete and ongoing learning path based on principles of "experiential education". It is an individualized journey, with emphasis on what you are actually learning and internalizing, rather than a predetermined "lesson goal".
We know that learning is sparked and begins with experiences, connection to places, mentorship, and stories. However, it can only continue if we allow progression through the other steps of learning - observing, asking questions, and then applying our learning into our lives by acting on what we have learned.
That action then brings about more experiences and life-long growth through millions of connected moments!
Following each of our own unique WonderPaths allows us to engage in joyful, active, hands-on learning that builds a lifetime progression of skill, knowledge, and character.
Sparks of Learning
EXPERIENCE
- Learn the skill of orienteering and make your own map
- Make delicious artisan bread and share with a friend
- Wonder at the night sky with a local astronomy club or by visiting an observatory
PLACE
- Hike to a nearby famous natural landmark
- Visit a historical park to learn about what life was like for the people who lived in that place
- Go swimming in a nearby lake or river, and notice how it changed from last year
MENTORSHIP
- Invite a local birder to teach names of common, local birds
- Learn principles of art from a plein air artist
- Visit a local business or find a way to apprentice
CULTURE & STORY
- Discover a nearby ghost town and tell your own family legends
- Go to a local cultural festival and discover new traditions
- Learn historical folk dances
CELEBRATION
- Celebrate light with a water lantern festival
- Plant a tree for Earth Day
- Invite a yoga instructor to teach a gratitude practice to the group
Our Inspiration
WALDORF EDUCATION – emphasizes the importance of creating and holding space for childhood (which includes teen-hood!), prioritizes outdoor free play and adventuring in nature, is rhythm centered, and celebrates the seasonal rhythms of the natural world.
“THE BRAVE LEARNER” by Julie Bogart – encourages us to connect with the “Enchantment of Learning”, that allows us to interact with intention in our weekly co-op activities. This intention can be fueled by tools like surprise, mystery, risk, and adventure, and can be sustained with curiosity, collaboration, contemplation, and celebration.
OUTDOOR EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION – while interacting with the outdoor world, learning begins with a concrete experience and focuses on what one is actually learning and internalizing rather than a pre-determined “lesson goal”. But complete learning can’t happen if we only interact with “experience”. It continues with us observing and reflecting on what happened, thinking about what we learned, forming our own ideas from them, and then applying them into our life as we propel ourselves into more experiences (the learning cycle).
THE KINDRED COOPERATIVE – the simple seasonal Nature School rhythm that we began in our co-op in fall 2016, was documented by Kindle Garner and Randi Gardner. Connect with us for this wonderful resource!
The Wonder Progression
Wonder
The Wonder stage of learning (approximately ages 0-6), seeks to discover the answer to the question of "What?". Simple and joyful observation abound at this age! Active discovery and tactile experience of the world sparks wonder and curiosity.
Explore
The Explore stage of learning (approximately ages 7-12), seeks to discover the answer to the question of "How?". At this age, children take their discoveries and observations and create connections and relationships within the world and themselves.
Adventure
The Adventure stage of learning (approximately ages 13-18), seeks to discover the answer to the question "Why?". At this age, teens are ready to begin moving outward into their world by applying their knowledge and skills to make a difference in their families and communities. Adventure has an element of risk and unknown that sparks the transition between discovery and creation.
Create
Our group of parents synthesize wonder, exploration, and adventure together into a creative whole. They seek to celebrate the question of "Who?" - developing their own paths of wonder as they celebrate their children's individual experiences. Intuitive mothers and caregivers also serve as facilitators of learning and adventures, guiding the children with thoughtful questions to profound truths.
Example of Structure
Affiliates
Plan your co-op’s Big Adventures with our travel affiliate!
Join a living history Family Camp!
Little School
on the Prairie
FAQ’s
Q: I want to start a WonderPath Group in my area! How do I start?
A: Start here:
1) Read through the information on our website, including our Family Handbook!
2) Look into Our Inspirations - such as Waldorf Seasonal Celebrations, and read Julie Bogart’s book “The Brave Learner”. Gather what you love!
3) Find your people - connect to other families in your area through Facebook or other online means. We suggest 4-12 families per group!
4) Begin to meet together - share your ideas with each other. What is exciting and doable for you?
5) Request to be our Affiliate via the link below! We love having “Sister Co-ops”!
Gallery
The Heart
Statement of Faith
We understand that true wonder can only happen when we can freely connect and share what we feel in our hearts.
We celebrate each other's heart-felt beliefs, and as such, have protected those beliefs within a Statement of Faith that is an integral part of our nonprofit organization.
The following Statement of Faith is found in our By-Laws:
SECTION 1:
Religious study is not the primary purpose of this organization. However, prayer will be used to begin meetings, and spiritual connections will be made.
The sharing of personal beliefs, perspectives, or spiritual thoughts during lessons or activities is encouraged and respected from all members, regardless of religious affiliation.
SECTION 2:
Many group participants are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and as such, the organization is considered to have a Latter-Day Saint perspective. However, participants of the group are not required to be members of the church.
SECTION 3:
The organization will be governed and lead by moral principles as taught and held by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These principles of faith and morality can be found at: www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
Testimonials
Coming Soon!
Contact us
wonderpathutah@gmail.com
Get in Touch
Last updated on
August 17, 2024 by Amelia
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