“Unleashing the instinct to play will make our children happier, more self-reliant, and better students for life.”

– Peter Gray, Free to Learn

NURTURING CHILDREN AND HONORING THE RIGHT TO PLAY

On a crisp Autumn day at Lakeside School at Black Kettle Farm, you might find children searching for a gnome note nestled among the juniper branches, chopping vegetables for soup day, or helping their teacher drag a sledful of campfire to Twisty Vine. And without a doubt, you will find children deep in play.

As we enter our 18^th year, we share an ever-stronger commitment to honoring a child’s natural curiosity. Children at Lakeside School at Black Kettle Farm learn through play in nature, and they develop resiliency, social awareness, and ecological literacy that cannot be taught in a conventional classroom. In community with their peers and with the care and guidance of their teachers, they develop a strong foundation for a lifetime of true, joyful learning.

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

Even as many early childhood programs and schools push academics earlier and earlier, a growing body of research supports the theory that Lakeside School at Black Kettle Farm has always put into practice: Children learn best and thrive given ample time for free, unstructured, creative and imaginative outdoor play. The vision, dedication and commitment of our skilled teachers uphold this holistic approach to nurturing the mind, body and spirit of each child. Teachers serve as steady guides, ensuring safety and establishing a predictable rhythm within which children can explore and experiment. For young children, play is more than just enjoyable, it is essential for their growth and well-being.

“In the first seven years of life the greatest gift we can give our children is the freedom of imaginative play. Days spent exploring the forest, scrambling up hillsides, traversing fallen logs and imitating practical work will foster future learning, emotional growth and healthy social capacity. With the simplest of materials children are able to transform their outer world through imagination. The scenarios and interactions that they explore through play prepare them for the many roles that they will take on later in life. Perhaps most importantly, imaginative play cultivates joy in our children, and joy is a birthright of every human being.”

- Julie Warren, Lead teacher

YOUR GIFT NURTURES OUR SCHOOL

Lakeside School at Black Kettle Farm celebrates a strong tradition of annual giving. We pride ourselves on keeping tuition affordable to allow an economically diverse community. Our school relies on the Annual Appeal to bridge the gap between tuition income and the actual cost of running the school and supports the heart of Lakeside - our students, our faculty, programming, professional development and more! Parents and grandparents, faculty, alumni parents, trustees, and friends work together toward a goal of 100% participation each year.

Please join us in reaching our goal of $45,000 and help ensure a 2024-2025 school year of wonder and growth for our children. Your gift provides the PROMISE of a sustainable future for our school, our children and our community.

To find out more about us and follow our daily adventures, find us on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lakesideschoolinessex/

From all of us here at Lakeside, thank you!

Lakeside's Annual Appeal 2024/25

Your gift nurtures our school

Team Members