Hands-On. Nature-Rich. Academically Grounded.
At Pogie’s Academy, our kindergarten program is designed to inspire wonder, build strong academic foundations, and nurture each child’s whole development. We blend trusted curricula with real-world experiences on our farm and water campuses—creating a truly unique learning environment.
Core Academic Subjects
Literacy
Program: All About Reading – Level 1
Phonics-based, multisensory instruction
Small-group and one-on-one reading
Storytelling, listening, and comprehension
Exposure to classic and diverse children's literature
Writing & Fine Motor
Approach: Journaling, Nature Sketching, and Handwork
Early handwriting and pencil grip practice
Daily journaling and drawing
Labeling nature finds, documenting fieldwork
Gentle introduction to spelling and sentence structure
-Program: Handwriting Without Tears
Developmentally appropriate and multisensory instructio
Daily handwriting practice using HWT tools and materials
Focus on correct pencil grip, posture, and letter formation
Use of wood pieces, chalkboards, and songs to reinforce shapes and strokes
Integrated with journaling, labeling, and classroom projects
Fine motor skill development through cutting, sewing, clay, and craft work
Encourages confident, low-pressure writing across all subjects
Math
Program: RightStart Mathematics – Level A
Hands-on, visual, and auditory learning
Strong number sense, problem-solving, and pattern recognition
Games and manipulatives to build foundational concepts
Focus on mastery over memorization
Nature & Science
🌱 Exploring Nature with Children
Weekly themed nature walks and seasonal studies
Observation, journaling, inquiry-based learning
Life cycles, weather, ecosystems, gardening, and animals
Activities that align with what’s happening in the natural world around us
🔬 Integrated Science Experiences
Creekside exploration , bug studies, marsh exploration , nature hikes
Farm-based learning: caring for animals, planting, composting, and more
Weekly science “mini projects” based on student interests
Social Studies
Approach: Living Books & Local Connection
Community roles, traditions, and history through story
Exposure to cultural celebrations and local legends
Character building: kindness, responsibility, and group cooperation
Real-world applications like cooking, map-making, and caring for others
Creative Arts
🎭 Theater, Music & Movement
Dress-up & dramatic play corner
Story re-enactments and puppet shows
Rhythm instruments, singing, and dancing
Music integrated into transitions and routines
🎨 Art & Making
Daily access to a “Maker’s Corner” for process-based art
Use of natural materials, clay, paint, and recycled objects
Encouragement of imaginative expression over perfection
Social-Emotional Learning & Life Skills
Peace corner, mindfulness tools, and emotional expression
Collaborative games and cooperative challenges
Tasks like snack prep, cleaning up, and gardening to build independence
Restorative discipline model focused on growth, not shame
Learning Environment
Weekly rotation between Farm Campus and Water Campus
Mixed indoor/outdoor learning, rain or shine
Bus transportation between sites when needed
Small class sizes with teacher and TA support
Outdoor Time at Pogie’s Academy
At Pogie’s Academy, outdoor learning isn’t just recess—it’s an essential part of our educational philosophy. Every day, students step into immersive, nature-rich environments that inspire movement, creativity, and discovery.
Where nature becomes the classroom—and the playground.
At Pogie’s Academy, outdoor learning isn’t just recess—it’s an essential part of our educational philosophy. Every day, students step into immersive, nature-rich environments that inspire movement, creativity, and discovery.
We rotate between two incredible settings: our Farm Campus and our Water Campus. These spaces offer open land, woods, gardens, animals, and waterfront access—ideal for seasonal science, nature journaling, and free exploration.
A centerpiece of outdoor play is our custom-built “Farm Town”, a miniature village designed for imaginative and cooperative play. Whether they’re pretending to run a shop, tend a garden, or fix a barn, students practice communication, leadership, and creativity through hands-on role-play.
Alongside our nature-based spaces, we also offer a full traditional playground with:
Slides for big energy and fun
Swings for rhythm and sensory regulation
Climbing walls to build strength, confidence, and coordination
Open space for group games, obstacle courses, and movement challenges
What outdoor time includes:
Daily time outside—rain or shine—for learning and play
boat trips and farm “safaris”
Nature walks, gardening, bug hunts, island exploration, kayaking and animal care
Literacy, math, and art brought outdoors with real-world connections
Access to both “Farm Town” and traditional playground equipment
local sand bars, marshes, and islands to explore
Gross motor development through active, unstructured play
Opportunities for quiet reflection, journaling, or group storytelling outdoors
We believe that kids need room to move and space to imagine. At Pogie’s Academy, outdoor time isn’t just a break from learning—it is learning.
Sample Daily Schedule – Pogie’s Academy (Kindergarten)
Sample Daily Schedule – Pogie’s Academy (Kindergarten)
Time Activity Notes
7:00–8:30 Early Drop-Off Optional – quiet centers, books, art table, building
8:30–9:00 Arrival & Morning Circle Songs, greetings, calendar, weather, daily intentions
9:00–10:00 Literacy & Writing Block All About Reading + Handwriting Without Tears, taught in small groups with rotating stations (fine motor, journaling, phonics games, etc.)
10:00–11:00 Math Block RightStart Math – small group instruction, math games, manipulatives
11:00–11:30 Snack & Free Play Unstructured indoor/outdoor time
11:30–12:15 Creative Block Art, music, theater, journaling, or Farm Town play
12:15–12:45 Lunch Family-style whenever possible ( as in everyone eating together at one table)
12:45–1:30 Quiet Time / Read-Aloud Rest mats, soft music, chapter book or picture books
1:30–2:15 Science / Nature Study Block Exploring Nature with Children, seasonal units, experiments, animal care, gardening
2:15–2:30 Closing Circle & Pack-Up Reflections, gratitude, prep for dismissal
2:30–4:00 Standard Pick-Up Window Outdoor play, enrichment stations, open exploration
4:00–5:30 After-School Care (Optional) Snack, crafts, nature games, imaginative play
For Core blocks like math/ literacy and writing students are broken into 2 groups 30 mins of traditional learning, 30 of fun hands-on game learning for each group.