Hello Friends,
Albert Einstein once said, “Play is the highest form of research,” and as homeschoolers, we know how true this is. Play and exploration have always been at the heart of how children learn best. Whether it’s running through a forest, experimenting with a new project, or simply spending time in imaginative play, these experiences are more than just fun—they are how children make sense of the world around them.
As we settle into the fall season (finally), it’s the perfect time to embrace the outdoors, letting children of all ages dive into nature’s endless opportunities for discovery. For our youngest learners, play might look like collecting colorful autumn leaves or exploring textures in the natural world. For our elementary-aged students, it could be building forts, designing creative projects, or immersing themselves in role-playing adventures. For our teens, play may take the form of hands-on projects, community involvement, or even leadership roles in group activities. Play isn’t just about entertainment or limited to the early years—it’s how humans, regardless of age, test ideas, form connections, and grow in understanding.
At The Cottonwood School, we cherish the flexibility homeschooling provides, allowing us to prioritize this kind of learning. It’s not about following rigid schedules or checklists, but about making room for curiosity and giving students of all ages the freedom to explore.
We’re also fortunate to have community spaces like Mondays at the CCC, where families can gather to engage in hands-on learning and play with other families who share your homeschool values. This Monday, Mr. Jamin will lead us in exploring the World of Music at 10 am, followed by nature-inspired crafts and activities led by our Waldorf Educational Design Expert at 12 pm. These opportunities embody the playful and experiential learning we value, giving students of all ages space to grow and learn.
In addition to the opportunities we provide, we partner with community vendors who offer classes and lessons, expanding opportunities for play and growth for all ages. From theater, dance, music lessons, and sports to other enriching activities, these extracurriculars give our students a chance to develop skills, build friendships, and enjoy playful learning in a structured yet creative environment. Whether it’s an art class for our younger learners or an improv class for teens, play continues to be an essential part of growth at every stage.
We also encourage you to check out our broad array of field trips, both indoors and outdoors, as they offer a great balance of experiential learning. Whether it’s our TK students exploring nature trails, middle-schoolers experimenting with science in the field, or high school students engaging with local museums and community resources, there’s a wide range of opportunities for every age group. These moments give our students the chance to learn by doing—exactly what Einstein envisioned when he called play the highest form of research.
For those looking to explore these ideas further, here are a few books that can offer additional inspiration:
Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne
The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment
Free to Learn by Peter Gray
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
Let’s continue to encourage this spirit of play and exploration in our homeschools, not just for our youngest learners, but for students of every age as they grow through these formative years.
Kindly, Kara