Tinkergarten.
Delightful, Skill-Boosting Curriculum

Designed to support kids being healthy, curious, capable learners through exploring the outside world.

Spring Classes

Spring is one of our FAVORITE seasons at Tinkergarten and this spring we explore – EMPATHY—the special human superpower we use to understand our emotions and see the world through other people’s eyes.

Our lessons follow a steady progression and are organized into three units. In the Our Feelings unit, we explore ways of understanding our own feelings. In the Our Friends unit, we build the superhuman power of understanding how other people might feel. In the Our Community unit, we learn about actions we can take to take care of ourselves, others, our communities, and our environment. Join us for the journey!

Summer Tinkergarten Camp

Each season, we help children to develop one of our 8 core skills kids need to become curious, capable learners who can contribute to their world. This Summer, we focus on COMMUNICATION—the symphony of skills kids activate in order to receive communication from others, process that communication, and express back out their ideas. To make it extra joyful, we frame all of our lessons around a fun Camp Tinkergarten and I will be running a 3 days a week for 3 weeks camp series.

Our Camp series will meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and run for 3 weeks from June 30- July 18. Each lesson will gently highlight a different aspect of communication. Throughout the series, we’ll also attune explorers and grown-ups to how important Tinkergarten class rituals help kids strengthen their communication skills. We’ll also teach our special summer “Camping With Our Friends” song to support kids with active listening and non-verbal communication.

Welcome!

Hi friends! I’m Annie. I am a mom, professor, teacher, learner, and outdoor enthusiast! I am a K-12 certified teacher and principal. I am an adjunct professor in the School of Education at a local university! I am also staying home with our two kids to learn, play and grow with them. I have lived and taught in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and overseas in England, Vietnam, and Germany. No matter the weather, exploring, playing, and getting dirty outdoors are our favorite things. We hope you will join us for some outdoor fun!

What you get:

• 9 x 60 minute outdoor play-based inquiry lessons
• Small class size (up to 15 children)
• Inquiry-based experiential learning that emphasizes sensory play
• Mixed-age classes for kids 1 to 8 years – Read about the Benefits of Mixed-Aged Learning
• 4 seasons of play to discover all the beauty of the Pacific Northwest year-round
• Post-lesson communication with photos and resources to continue exploring the lesson focus.
• Siblings receive a 25% discount when purchased in the same order.
• Families with 3 or more children inquire about a special family discount.

A parent or guardian must attend.

Tinkergarten classes are offered at different locations in Spokane and focus on helping you and your family access and enjoy our beautiful home year-round regardless of the weather. In the Pacific Northwest, we embrace the philosophy that there is no such thing as bad weather! Classes facilitate open-ended, exploratory, nature PLAY. Children build in their behavioral schema play through hands-on, experiential learning in mixed-age classes. Tinkergarten is a joy to children and a fantastic opportunity for caregivers to connect and build community. Tinkergarten terms and conditions

How it works

Outside is our classroom

We have no walls. Creatures are our teachers, mud and sticks are our tools. Every lesson connects us to nature.

Open-ended, child-led

Kids learn best when they lead the way. We also help grownups support their child.

Irresistible
invitations to play

Each lesson is engineered to engage kids in play that they simply can’t refuse!

Still have questions?

Try our Tinkergarten FAQ page or connect with me.