Curriculum Overview
Our Approach
At Mountain and Meadow Schoolhouse, we believe learning happens best when children can step back from screens and worldly distractions to engage directly with the world around them. Our program is secular, inclusive, and diverse, welcoming families from all backgrounds.
We focus on the whole child—nurturing not just academic skills but also emotional intelligence, practical abilities, cultural awareness, and connection to place. Our approach weaves together Indigenous knowledge, Appalachian traditions, and old-timey wisdom, honoring the people and practices that have sustained communities in our region for generations.
Unit Studies at the Heart of Learning
Beyond our formal curriculum, we dive deep into engaging unit studies that become the thread connecting all our subjects. Whether we're exploring poultry keeping, forest ecology, traditional crafts, or seasonal cycles, each topic becomes a rich tapestry where math, language arts, science, history, and practical skills naturally intertwine. Students learn through carefully selected books and hands-on experiences—they don't just read about raising chickens, they care for the flock; they don't just study measurement, they build coops and measure feed.
How Our Subjects Connect
Every subject at Mountain and Meadow Schoolhouse ties back to our current unit study, creating meaningful, memorable learning experiences.
Language Arts comes alive through diverse novels related to our topic and weekly Poetry Teatime featuring relevant poems. Students read, write, and discuss literature that deepens their understanding of what they're studying hands-on.
Mathematics moves beyond the page as students apply Minimalist Math concepts and life skills math directly to our units—calculating feed ratios, measuring garden beds, budgeting for supplies, or tracking animal growth.
Cherokee Language weaves through our days naturally, with vocabulary, songs, and concepts connected to our current focus, honoring the Indigenous heritage of our land.
Science, History, and Culture emerge organically from each unit study. Students learn by doing, observing, questioning, and discovering—whether they're studying animal behavior, exploring traditional preservation methods, or understanding the cultural significance of heritage practices.
Breakdown of Subjects
Language Arts
Our language arts program is designed to meet students at their developmental level while fostering a genuine love of reading and literature.
Early Learners - Younger students build foundational literacy skills through Progressive Phonics, a systematic approach to letter recognition and phonics that makes learning to read accessible and engaging.
Older Students - Our older learners engage in novel studies featuring diverse literature connected to our current topics and projects. These carefully selected books deepen understanding of our units while exposing students to varied perspectives and cultures. For example, during our poultry unit, students might read books about sustainable farming, heritage breeds, or stories featuring farm life from diverse cultural perspectives. See link at bottom for Novel Study list
Poetry Teatime - Once weekly, all students gather for Poetry Teatime, where we share poems related to our current focus. This cherished tradition builds listening skills, exposes children to beautiful language, and creates a peaceful community moment centered on the joy of words.
Mathematics
Our math curriculum balances essential computational skills with practical, real-world application.
Younger Students - Early learners use a nature-based math program that grounds mathematical concepts in the natural world around them, making abstract ideas concrete and meaningful.
Middle and Older Students - These students work through Minimalist Math, a focused program providing 10 carefully crafted problems weekly. This streamlined approach ensures mastery without overwhelming students.
Life Skills Math - Because mathematics is a living tool, all students also engage in life skills math throughout the week. These practical lessons focus on money, measurement, time management, cooking calculations, and other real-world applications—all connected to our current unit study. Students learn that math isn't just about worksheets—it's about confidently navigating everyday situations with numeracy and problem-solving skills.
Cherokee Language
Students have the opportunity to learn ᏣᎳᎩ (Cherokee language), connecting with the Indigenous heritage of our region and building skills in a living language. Language learning is woven naturally into our days through songs, games, storytelling, and conversation, with vocabulary and concepts that relate to our current studies.
Our Rhythm
9:30 - time for drop-off
9:30-10:00 - quiet provocations or free-play
10:00 -11:00 - ELA and mathematics
11:00 -11:30 - lunch
11:30 - 12:00 - free-play
12:00 - 1:00 - homesteading lesson
1:00 - 1:30 - free-play/snack
1:30 - 2:30 - extra curricular lesson
2:30 - time for pick-up