Sally's Nature School
Homeschool @ the SMINC
Home school sessions are open to all families interested in nature-based learning opportunities. Sessions are in two parts. During the first session, older students (11 and older), or “Nature Buddies,” learn curriculum material in preparation for the second session, during which they will act as lesson-leaders and teaching assistants for younger students. The second session, typically one week later, is open to all ages, but focuses on younger learners, with older students assist in delivering lesson material.
Things to know about Sally’s Nature School:
- All ages are welcome, but we focus and only charge for children 5+ years-old (the main program for 5 – 10 yr. olds and the Nature Buddy program for 11+).
- There will be an area for toddlers to hang out.
- Nature Buddy must be 11 years old by the date of the program.
- Nature Buddy should be available for both program dates.
- If your child is older than 10 yrs. old and is not a nature buddy, they will still have a great time!
- The donation fee is $12/child.
- Each program runs for 2 hours – Nature Buddies: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; Sally’s Nature Explorers: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- There will be seating for parents (thank you to the person for that feedback!)
- Bring a snack for the kiddos, there will be a snack time about half-way through the program.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Verity at verity.davis@sminc-lake-elmo.org.
November 7. 1-3 pM: Understanding Bees
In this session of Sally’s Nature School we welcome Karen Voy from the Stillwater Bee Club, to come and speak to the kids about bee keeping – it will be about mini beekeeping in Northern climates to educate on what is on the horizon for bees in the future. It will be a little is technical and very practical as far as taking care of bees goes. There will be a discussion of youth scholarships available related to beekeeping.
For students 11 and up; $12 per student. To register for this session click here
November 21 & December 5: All about Owls
WHOO is interested in learning about owls? Did you know that a group of owls is called a parliament or that they have double the neck vertebrae as we do to allow them to move their heads 270 degrees around? Come, and explore the owl world with us. We will dissect owl pellets, build our own owls and participate in an owl hooting contest! Here are the dates & times:
November 21 (Nature Buddies, 11 and up), 1-3 pm. $12 per student. Register your student here.
December 5 (Nature Explorers, all ages), 10 am to 12 pm. $12 per student (students who attended the 11/21Nature Buddies session are free) Register your student here.
2025 & 2026 Dates and times
We are still working on the topics for our upcoming homeschool sessions, but here are the dates and times for the rest of the 25/26 School Year:
- November 7, -3 p.m.
- November 21, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Nature Buddies)
- December 5, 1-3 p.m. (Nature Explorers)
- December 12, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Feb. 6, 1-3 p.m. (Nature Buddies)
- Feb 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Nature Explorers)
- April 3, 1-3 p.m. (Nature Buddies)
- April 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Nature Explorers)