Scroll for daily schedule, and school closure information.
Daily Schedule
neighborhood walk from maple elementary 2:50–3:05 p.m.
Your child is warmly met at Maple Elementary and walked “home” to our sweet Little Farm schoolhouse just down the lane. This community walk provides a calm, grounding transition into the afternoon.
garden tending & outdoor play 3:05–3:30 p.m.
We begin our day in the garden, tending beds, checking on seedlings, harvesting herbs, and enjoying open-ended outdoor play. This helps children decompress after school and reconnect with nature. Indoor alternatives are offered during cold or rainy weather.
cooking in the little farm kitchen 3:30–4:25 p.m.
Children gather in the farm kitchen to prepare our daily snack using fresh, seasonal ingredients—often harvested from the garden.
Cooking lessons include: washing produce, chopping and measuring, mixing and kneading, tasting and experimenting, cleaning their workspace.
This time blends math, science, sensory learning, and collaboration.
homework & quiet reading time 4:25–4:50 p.m.
Once bellies are full and energy is settled, we offer a calm, supportive space for homework, reading, or school assignments. Teachers are available for help as needed.
This peaceful block allows children to finish their responsibilities so evenings at home can be relaxing.
daily project & enrichment workshop 4:50–5:10 p.m.
After homework, children engage in a short but meaningful hands-on workshop connected to our monthly theme.
Activities may include:garden science, herbalism, cooking challenges, nature crafts, seasonal art, simple folk skills, journaling or storytelling.
These projects let children create, explore, and practice new skills in a relaxed, joyful way.
choice time & cozy corners 5:10–5:30 p.m.
A few minutes to unwind — children may read under the trees, draw, finish a project, explore the themed shelves, or enjoy gentle imaginative play.
goodbyes 5:30–5:45 p.m.
Pickup takes place in the garden or kitchen depending on weather. Children head home grounded, nourished, and proud of what they created that afternoon.
* early release days * 12:30 - 5:45 p.m.
Children walk to the schoolhouse with their teacher, and settle in with their sack lunches brought from home. We listen to a gentle Sparkle Story or enjoy quiet conversation as everyone transitions from the school day into our Little Farm rhythm. These days are reserved for our more in-depth farm projects that take more time.
Your child is warmly met at Maple Elementary and walked “home” to our sweet Little Farm schoolhouse just down the lane. This community walk provides a calm, grounding transition into the afternoon.
garden tending & outdoor play 3:05–3:30 p.m.
We begin our day in the garden, tending beds, checking on seedlings, harvesting herbs, and enjoying open-ended outdoor play. This helps children decompress after school and reconnect with nature. Indoor alternatives are offered during cold or rainy weather.
cooking in the little farm kitchen 3:30–4:25 p.m.
Children gather in the farm kitchen to prepare our daily snack using fresh, seasonal ingredients—often harvested from the garden.
Cooking lessons include: washing produce, chopping and measuring, mixing and kneading, tasting and experimenting, cleaning their workspace.
This time blends math, science, sensory learning, and collaboration.
homework & quiet reading time 4:25–4:50 p.m.
Once bellies are full and energy is settled, we offer a calm, supportive space for homework, reading, or school assignments. Teachers are available for help as needed.
This peaceful block allows children to finish their responsibilities so evenings at home can be relaxing.
daily project & enrichment workshop 4:50–5:10 p.m.
After homework, children engage in a short but meaningful hands-on workshop connected to our monthly theme.
Activities may include:garden science, herbalism, cooking challenges, nature crafts, seasonal art, simple folk skills, journaling or storytelling.
These projects let children create, explore, and practice new skills in a relaxed, joyful way.
choice time & cozy corners 5:10–5:30 p.m.
A few minutes to unwind — children may read under the trees, draw, finish a project, explore the themed shelves, or enjoy gentle imaginative play.
goodbyes 5:30–5:45 p.m.
Pickup takes place in the garden or kitchen depending on weather. Children head home grounded, nourished, and proud of what they created that afternoon.
* early release days * 12:30 - 5:45 p.m.
Children walk to the schoolhouse with their teacher, and settle in with their sack lunches brought from home. We listen to a gentle Sparkle Story or enjoy quiet conversation as everyone transitions from the school day into our Little Farm rhythm. These days are reserved for our more in-depth farm projects that take more time.
CLosures
The Little Farm Cooking and Gardening Afterschool program is closed on all federal holidays, and takes both Winter, Thanksgiving, Spring, and Summer breaks. We follow the Springfield Public School schedule for these breaks. Please refer to the Springfield School District calendar for more information. We are open for early release days, and will pick your child up accordingly.
Unexpected closures or delays due to inclement weather, natural disasters, or federal/state/city wide emergencies do not result in discounted tuition prices.
We are closed for all federal holidays, or observed holidays.
Unexpected closures or delays due to inclement weather, natural disasters, or federal/state/city wide emergencies do not result in discounted tuition prices.
We are closed for all federal holidays, or observed holidays.