A guided fall learning cohort
This small-group series gives families a meaningful first look at the hands-on, relationship-centered learning experience and supportive community we are building.
Join us this fall for an introductory series of Shared Ground Society’s enrichment programming!
Merwin Meadows Park Pavilion
Wilton, CT
where
Wednesdays from
Sept 16 - Oct 14
WHEN
COHORT AGES
18 months - 3 years (Caregiver & Me)
4-6 years and 7-10 years
10am - 12pm
HOURS
The Learning Cohorts
budding branches
(Ages 4-6 years to 7-10 years)
$250
10% Sibling Discount Available
$200
A teacher-guided cohort where children take the same seasonal theme deeper, through field investigation, collaborative projects, and hands-on creation.
A teacher-guided cohort where the youngest learners are guided through each seasonal theme with sensory play, songs, and stories, right alongside a trusted grown-up.
LITTLE SAPLINGS
(Ages 18 months to 3 years)
Our Learning Cohorts are small-group enrichment programs guided by a certified teacher, with an intentionally low student-guide ratio so every child gets meaningful attention. Each cohort follows our Rooted & Rising curriculum, with seasonal, project-based learning that integrates storytelling, history, geography, creative expression, science, nature study, critical thinking, and hands-on creation. Children explore shared themes at developmentally appropriate levels while building confidence, curiosity, communication skills, and a sense of belonging.
Every fall, the natural world runs its own curriculum — soil turns over, seeds sprout, leaves change, animals prepare, and the harvest comes in. We follow that same arc instead of writing one ourselves.
week 1
Soil & Roots
What happens underneath the ground?
week 3
Changing Leaves
Why do trees look different in fall?
week 2
Seeds & Growing
How does a tiny seed become a plant?
week 5
Final Harvest
How do people celebrate the harvest?
week 4
Winter Prep
What do living things do when the seasons change?
Science, math, literacy, art, and outdoor exploration all live inside one seasonal question each week, scaled up or down for each age group but shared by the whole cohort.
The Weekly Themes
Stay at the dedicated parent table in the pavilion with your laptop or a book. Quiet, close by, and still part of the same shared rhythm as your kids.
Set Up a Workstation
Take a Walk on the Trails
Participate in a wellness class at the athletic fields while your child is in session. Little Saplings parents are welcome to bring an additional caregiver so you can step away to participate in the session.
Join a Wellness Session
move
work
Parents remain on site to foster community and connection, with several curated ways to spend their time. For Little Saplings, a parent or caregiver must participate with their child, with the option to bring an additional caretaker if they’d like to attend parent classes.
you're on Shared Ground too.
Use the trails to take a hike or stroller walk with other parents from the cohort. A built-in way to get to know the families around you.
connect
september 16th
45-Minute Pilates-Barre Fusion with Melanie Kotcher
september 30th
45-Minute Medicine Dance with
Dr. Kristy M. Vanacore
september 23rd
45-Minute Sound Bath with Beth Ricciardone
october 14th
Family Harvest Celebration and Cacao Ritual with Beth Ricciardone
october 7th
45-Minute Restorative Yoga with Jenny Minelli
The Schedule
Hello! My name is Lindsay, and I have been working with young children professionally for over 12 years. I hold a Master’s degree in Education and am certified in both Special Education K–12 and General Education K–6. Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of educational settings and have supported children with many different learning styles, strengths, and needs.
I am passionate about creating a warm, supportive environment where children feel comfortable being themselves, asking questions, and exploring the world around them. I believe children learn best through meaningful, real-life experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and connection.
Outside of teaching, I love spending time outdoors with my husband and 1-year-old son, trying new recipes, and anything involving animals!
I’m excited to meet new families this fall and create meaningful, engaging learning experiences together!
Meet Our Budding Branches Guide
Hi, I’m Laura. I’ve had many years of experience working with children of all ages. I hold a Master’s in Education and I’m also a mother of two young boys.
I currently work at sensory play studio where I help develop their drop-off pre-K program and curriculum. I am also involved in building out a new nature-focused program for the studio. I hope to use the same play-based approach to learning in our weekly classes; we will weave in subjects like numeracy, literacy and STEAM.
Outside of teaching, I love spending time with my family — hiking, gardening or taking a cross-country camping trip.
I look forward to exploring fall with you and your little ones!
Meet Our Little Saplings Guide
This first cohort is our outdoor pilot at Merwin Meadows while we finalize our permanent space. This is an opportunity for families to experience the kind of thoughtful, relationship-based learning community we are building. While participation in this initial cohort will be open with no ongoing commitment, future programming will be offered through a membership model designed to create greater consistency, stronger relationships and a more connected community for the entire family.
Find Your Footing
On Shared Ground
Disclaimer: This is not a drop-off or childcare program. It is designed for parents to stay on-site during their child’s enrichment session. Enrollment in this program does not constitute enrollment in a public or private school, nor does it fulfill compulsory education requirements on its own. Parents and legal guardians remain fully responsible for ensuring that their child’s education complies with all applicable compulsory attendance and homeschooling laws in their state of residence, including but not limited to Connecticut and New York. Details and pricing are subject to change.