Your Trial Day at Little Finch Forest School
A Guide for New Explorers & Their Families
A Trial Day at Little Finch is more than an assessment; it is an invitation for your child to step into their natural element. Roaming location depending on weather and environment near the serene foothills of the Angeles National Forest (along the Gabrielino Trail and Pasadena Arryo), our "classroom" is a space where child-led curiosity meets the wisdom of the forest.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Arrival & Gentle Transition
To ensure your child feels confident and comfortable, please pack:
The "Forest Uniform": Layers are key! Long pants and sleeves (even in warm weather) protect against brush and bugs. Sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots are a must. On hot days please pack a change of cool clothes that your little one can change into as the day gets hotter.
Backpack: A child-sized pack with a chest strap.
Nourishment: Two healthy snacks and a hearty lunch.
Hydration: A full, easy-to-open water bottle.
The "Mud Bag": A full change of clothes (including socks) kept in a waterproof bag.
9:30 AM | The Opening Circle
We gather in a circle to officially start our journey. This is where we:
Sing & Share: Use songs to ground ourselves.
Safety Check: Briefly review our forest rules (like the "Coyote Howl" for staying close).
Set the Intention: Discuss what we might discover today—perhaps we’ll look for animal tracks or check the seasonal creek.
9:50 AM | The Wilderness Hike
This is not a race; it’s a wandering. Guided by the children’s pace and interests, we head onto the trails. Your child will see our "secret spots" with names like The Dragon’s Den or Fairy Hollow. If a child finds a beetle or a unique rock, the hike stops so everyone can observe.
10:30 AM | First Snack & Forest Story
At a shaded resting spot, we sanitize hands (using our forest-safe methods) and enjoy a snack. A teacher usually tells a "Story of the Day" or we pass a "Talking Rock" so the children can share their own observations.
10:45 AM – 11:50 AM | Child-Led Exploration & Play
This is the heart of the Little Finch experience. Without plastic toys to limit them, children use the forest as their toolkit.
Engineering: Building shelters from fallen branches.
Art: Painting with mud or arranging "land art" with acorns and leaves.
Social: Engaging in complex imaginative games that build social-emotional resilience.
11:50 AM | Core Value Activity
Mentors may introduce a specific skill or game based on our "Coyote’s Guide" philosophy—this could be "Bird Language" listening, "Animal Forms" movement, or learning about indigenous plants.
12:10 PM – 1:00 PM | Second Snack & The Return Journey
After a final period of play, we enjoy a second snack and begin our trek back to basecamp. We "pack out" everything we brought in, practicing our value of environmental stewardship.
1:10 PM – 1:30 PM | Closing Circle & Gratitude
Back at basecamp, we gather one last time. We share "Thanksgivings"—naming one thing from the forest we are grateful for today. We sing our goodbye song, and the children prepare for pick-up.
❤️ What Parents Are Saying
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young preschool-age kids to build deep comfort and confidence." — Anthony N.
"My child has developed into a confident, resilient little child with a love of nature and sense of adventure." — Google Review
🕊️ Post-Trial Follow-Up
Following the trial, the Director (Cristina or Daniel) will connect with you to discuss how your child interacted with the group, their comfort level with the physical terrain, and if Little Finch is the right "nest" for your family’s educational journey.
Ready to fly? We can't wait to see what you discover in the forest.