Autumn Saplings
NEW for the 2025-26 school year!
Homeschool Learning Pod

General Information
The Autumn Saplings Homeschool Learning Pod is a mixed-age, drop-off program for learners ages 5–8 (Kindergarten to Grade 3). We meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM *extended hours available*.
Each week, children engage in a blend of literacy and numeracy activities, hands-on projects, and inquiry-based learning. The program is designed to support both academic growth and the social-emotional development of each child.
Through play, exploration, and collaboration, learners build meaningful connections with one another and with the natural world. Our learning is grounded in curiosity, creativity, and joyful discovery.
Guiding Resources & Daily Flow
Our learning pod is a child-led, emergent program rooted in curiosity, creativity, and connection. As a certified teacher, I draw on a variety of high-quality resources and curricula to support skill development in a responsive, engaging way. While the learning is interest-driven, it is also thoughtfully guided.
I reference the Alberta Education curriculum to stay aligned with age-appropriate topics, and I use a combination of trusted programs, including Logic of English, UFLI, and rich children’s literature to support literacy growth. For numeracy, I draw from both Jump Math and Math-U-See, tailoring activities to meet each learner’s needs.
A Typical Day Includes:
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Two organized learning activities – one in the morning, one in the afternoon
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Time for free play, with thoughtful materials and open-ended provocations
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Group projects and collaborative problem-solving
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One guest speaker or special experience each month, typically on Wednesdays
What To Bring:
DAILY
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Backpack
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Water bottle
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Packed lunch (mid morning and afternoon snacks provided)
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Change of clothes
*Please dress for mess and adventure — play clothes are encouraged!
*Please do NOT bring toys from home! We have everything we need here. We will have show and tell opportunities for kids to occasionally bring in something special!
SEASONAL
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Bug spray
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Sunscreen
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Hat (ball cap/toque as necessary)
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WINTER: waterproof footwear and gloves are a MUST; clothing for layers
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SPRING: waterproof footwear is a MUST; consider spring waterproof gloves or rain shell
Upcoming Special Events
Each month we will host a special event/guest speaker experience. Take a look at our 2025/26 lin up:
SEPTEMBER: Ann & Sandy Cross Family Field Trip
OCTOBER: Mad Science Workshop: States of Matter
NOVEMBER: Calgary Reptile
DECEMBER: Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society: Owls (pellet dissection)
JANUARY: Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society: Beavers
FEBRUARY: Lady Buggy
MARCH: Mad Science Workshop: Polymers
APRIL: Calgary Rock & Lapidary Club
MAY: Richard Young Magician: The Love of Reading















