Outsiders: Homeschool Class
Outsiders: Homeschool Class! is our K-5 nature group focused on introducing children to the art and science of observation and nature journaling! Most weeks we will meet at a regular location in the Agoura Hills area, but every fourth week we will explore a new spot. We will explore a variety of aspects of nature and learn about various naturalists who began their careers as children observing the world around them.
Each class includes free play, read-alouds, instruction in nature journaling, and opportunities to make observations and practice our new skills. Artistic ability is not required in order to make a nature journal! The aim of nature journaling is to hone our observational skills and develop a stronger connection with nature regardless of artistic skill!
Parents, you will also benefit! A podcast episode relating to homeschool, nature play, nature journaling, or outdoor education will be distributed to the group each week, along with relevant book recommendations. You can also create your own nature journal alongside your student(s)!
Now offering two classes
-
Early Learners
This class is for our younger learners just entering a more formal class environment. It’s designed to help ease and transition your TK/K student(s) into a class setting. We will meet Fridays 9:30-11am.
-
Elementary Learners
This class is best suited for your elementary students aged 6 and Up who have either been in a class setting before, or have some familiarity with writing and can engage in discussion questions. We will meet every Friday 11am-1pm.
What to Expect
Regular Class Rhythm: 5 Year Olds
9:30 am – arrive, free play, snack if desired
9:45 am – gather to share weekly observations and introduce the week’s nature topic; group
read-aloud
10:00 am – Lesson on Nature Journaling + Skill Practice
10:20 am – Nature Walk
10:40 am – Observation Practice, Nature Journaling, Open-ended Exploraiton
11:00 am – End
Regular Class Rhythm: 6 and Up
11:00 am – arrive, free play, snack if desired
11:20 am – gather to share weekly observations and introduce the week’s nature topic; group
read-aloud
11:40 – Lesson on Nature Journaling + Skill Practice
12:00 – Nature Walk
12:20 – Lunch and open-ended exploration
12:40 – Nature Journaling
1:00 -- End
FAQs
-
No, this is not a drop-off class. We expect at least one parent to accompany their child. Your direct involvement in the class will depend on your child’s skill and grade level (for example, you may have to help them write down observations in their nature journal). We will also have curated opportunities for the parents to discuss topics related to nature journaling, homeschooling, and outdoor education.
-
Yes! If you have children younger than kindergarten age, they will be welcome to join us for read-aloud, free play, and most of our activities; we will have some basic art materials (expect paper, shared pencils and water colors) available for them to create with during our nature journaling time. However, please note that the group leader will not be responsible for your younger children; the parents are expected to keep track of them and make sure that they do not disrupt the class for the actual participants.
-
We will accept students who turn 5 during the semester in question and who will make a good-faith effort (not perfect!) to engage with our nature journaling activities.
-
$300 per initial student, $75 for each subsequent student, and $30 material fee per student to finish rounding out their nature journaling kits. This material fee is a one-time fee that will not be repeated (even in later school years) unless the student's nature journaling kit needs to be replaced for some reason.
-
All class materials are covered by the class fee and will be provided for your student. The group leader will bring them to and from class every week. Please make sure that your student comes with closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, and a snack/packed lunch!
-
We will meet every Friday from 9:30-11 am, or 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. The Winter/Spring 2026 semester will start on January 9. This first meeting will be a chance to get to know the other families and the group leader, and will be fairly relaxed; more details will be sent out as we get closer. The semester will conclude on May 29, 2026, with three weeks off during the session.
-
We are currently working on becoming an approved vendor for local charter schools, and will keep our families and this FAQ updated as we have news.
-
While this is not an explicitly Christian (or other religion) class, many naturalists have been people of faith, and it is likely that many of our families will also be. It is reasonable to expect that we will discuss Creation, the Creator (God), stewardship, the incredible designs of nature, and cultivate attitudes of awe, appreciation, and gratitude towards both nature and its Maker.
-
Outsiders is its own curriculum, and this class is designed to provide most of your science work for the week! The group leader will send out supplemental materials or recommendations that you can use, if you decide you want to explore the topics in more depth during the week following each class.
Outsiders is not limited to any one homeschooling philosophy, but closely aligns with the Charlotte Mason approach. We have worked hard to choose “living books” for our read-alouds and to appreciate the beauty of nature as we study it together.
-
Semester Dates: January 9, 2026 - May 29, 2026.
Semester Breaks (No Class): February 6, 2026 and April 3 and 10, 2026.
Meet the Teacher
Holli Manzo
Holli is a homeschool mom of four with a second grader and a kindergartener this year, so this class is designed for her kids alongside yours! She loves reading, writing, playing board games with her family, and spending time outside – she would choose mountains over beach if she needed to, but would prefer to have both! She taught at a private school prior to homeschooling and is on-staff as a teacher in the children’s ministry at her church. Maps are her favorite thing to draw!
Homeschool Class
Homeschool Class
Interested in our Outsiders HOMESCHOOL Class? Use this form to request more information. Please be sure to include the names and ages of your children.