Spring Programs
Double J Riding Club classes and activities are designed to support both homeschooled students and students away from school with hands on learning in a variety of academic, physical, and social areas including: Early Childhood Education, Science, Creative Arts, History and Cultures, Foreign Language, Equine and Animal Sciences, Nature, Dance and Physical Education. Taught by trained professionals, each class/activity is comprised of no more than 15 students providing a small, safe, and stimulating environment, in which students are able to interact and collaborate with their peers around rich and developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Spring Programs run for 8 weeks starting the week of April 3rd and are open to children from Kindergarten-12th grade. All ages are recommended ages.
All Non-Riding Classes Are Priced at $21 per class. Semester Rates May Vary.
Class options:
Early Education Courses:
- Puddle Play Ages 1-4 yrs
- Tiny Animal Adventures - Ages 12mo- 4yrs- More Information Here!
- Junior Farmers - Ages 3-6 yrs- More Information Here!
- Little Art Explorers Ages 1- 4 yrs - More Information Here!
- Barnyard Chefs- Ages 12 months-4 yrs
- Art and Literacy Ages 4-7 yrs
- Wonderful World of Bugs Ages 4-7 yrs
- Unicorn Riders Ages 3-7 yrs
- Rodeo Roundup Ages 3-7 yrs
- Dr. Suess on the Loose Ages 4-7 yrs
- Exploring Nature with Eric Carle Ages 4-7 yrs
- Nature Rangers Ages 4-7 yrs
- Art of Nature Ages 4-7 yrs
- Junior Zookeepers Ages 4-12 yrs
Animal and/or Physical Education Courses:
- Equine Science - Ages 7-14 yrs
- Ecology: Wetlands - Ages 7 and UP
- Entomology- Ages 7-12 yrs
- Introduction to Veterinary: Large and Small Animals- Ages 7 & ^
- Horse Show- Ages 7 and Up
- Farm Free Play- All Ages- More Information Here!
- Junior Zookeepers- 5-12 yrs
- Animal Science Ages 10 and UP
- Animal Adaptations- Ages 7 and UP
- Farm Hand 101- Ages 5 and UP
Science Courses:
- Slime Science and Cool Chemistry- Ages 5-11 yrs
- Earth Science 2- Ages 9 and UP
- Weather Wonders- Ages 7-12 yrs
- Conservation Science- Ages 7-14 yrs
- Experimental Science: Living Science- Ages 7-14 yrs
- National Parks- Ages 7-12 yrs
- Evolution- Ages 9 and Up
History Courses:
- International Studies- Ages 7 and Up
- Wonders of Writing- Ages 9 and Up
- Nature and Novels Charlottes Web- Ages 7 and Up
- Nature and Novels: Poppy- Ages 9 and Up
- Historical Disasters- Ages 7 and Up
Elective Courses:
- Garden Green Thumbs - Ages 7 and UP
- Fiber Arts- Ages 9 and Up
- Garden Math- Ages 7 and Up
- Horse Art- Ages 7 and Up
- Garden Gifts- Ages 9 and Up
- Nature's Classroom- Ages 7 and UP
- Cartooning and Anime- Ages 7 and UP
*Looking to spend the day at Double J Riding Club? No worries! If there are gaps in the classes you are interested in participating in, we can provide private and/or group options for your child. Options include, riding lessons, private art/photography classes, guitar lessons, or maybe some one on one time with animals. We are happy to discuss ways to complete your day.
E-Learning study and lunch hours:
E-Learning Study Hour
Instructed by Rotating Instructors
Looking for a quiet place to support your E-Learning? Double J Riding Club offers a small group format in which your student can quietly focus on their E-Learning. Staffed by our team of college educated instructors, we are here to help support your student navigate their work. This is a drop in class where students can come and go during the hours provided. Activity stations will be set up for students who finish their work early. This is a great class for working parents who need additional care hours before or after classes.
Offered: Monday-Friday from
8 am- 10 am and 2:30 pm- 5:30 pm.
Cost: $30 per class per day
Lunch Hour
Instructed by Rotating Instructors
If you are here for classes during the day, we can offer a supervised, quiet, clean place in which to have your lunch. Hand washing is mandatory and no more than two to a table in order to maintain social distance and provide safety to all our students.
Offered:
Monday-Friday from 11:45 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: $5 dollars per day or $32 for the whole semester for a specific day.
early childhood classes (Ages 1-7 YRS)
Junior Farmers
A pre-school age enrichment program for kids who love animals and nature that will foster their independence and curiosity as they get down and dirty on the farm!
At Double J Farm, our Junior Farmers learn through hands-on, nature-based experiences that address the developmental needs of children ages 3 to 6 as they explore the plant life and animals at our farm.
These 60 minute classes take learning to a higher level than the Tiny Animal Adventure class and are primarily drop off. After one class, your animal lover or critter extraordinaire will want to join us all season long for this unique, down in the dirt learning experience that will last a lifetime!
Every week has its own theme, so your child will learn new concepts all year long! These themes guide our educational activities and include a variety of: animal, agricultural, science, and nature topics.
Little Art Explorers
Little Art Explorers has so many benefits from squishing in paint, exploring colors and textures, learning about nature around us, developing fine and gross motor skills, making friends and building confidence at an early age! This extremely messy art class will teach babies and toddlers the basics of art mediums, colors, and shapes as they use fun art tools to create little masterpieces. A farm tour is included at the end of each class. All students must attend with an actively participating adult and wear clothes that they are ready to get messy in! (PAINT WILL BE USED!)
Class time: Cost: $21 per class
Session Dates: Mondays from 10:45-11:45 AM
Puddle Play
Who’s ready to get messy? Let’s explore the natural areas on the farm, including our new outdoor nature classroom. We’ll use nature as our inspiration to practice sorting, explore what sinks or floats, make creations and discover treasures. There’s only one rule–the messier the better! Puddle jumping and mud pies are encouraged. Participants should wear old clothes and rainboots.
Class time: Cost: $21 per class
Session Dates: Fridays from 10:45-11:45 AM
Art and Literacy
Some of the most amazing art can be found in children’s picture books! Join us each as we read a picture book and learn about the illustrator of the book. Students will then create their own artwork inspired by the illustrator. Students will be inspired by Jack Ezra Keats, Robert McCloskey, and Faith Ringold, as well as this year's Caldecott Winner, Misha Archer. This class is taught by our artist in residence, Jen Michalski.
Class Dates: Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30 AM
Wonderful World of bugs
At Double J Farm, our Wonderful World of Bugs class will teach children all about different insects in our world. Students will learn through hands-on, nature-based experiences that address the developmental needs of children ages 4 to 6 as they explore the under human care and wild insects on the farm. Over this 8 week program, children will learn about insects, the most diverse group of animal life on earth! They will learn all aspects of how insects live and interact with each other.
Class Times: Wednesdays from 1:45-12:45 PM
Tiny Animal Adventures
A uniquely structured program that offers a place for caregivers and toddlers to play, learn and develop while meeting the animals at Double J!
What's more tot-thrilling than farm animals? Little ones can learn about and experience real live farm animals in the Tiny Animal Adventure classes at the Double J's Farm! (Formerly known as Parents & Tots)
In each 60 minute class, a parent/toddler duo might explore the farm grounds, listen to an animal-centric story, create a craft, feed animals, participate in Farm Yoga or play various games!
Each class is themed (e.g. Lucky Lizards, Animals of the Night, etc.) and will guide our activities for the week.
This is the perfect way to get your little one ready for Junior Farmers and a great activity for parents and siblings ranging in age!
Class runs on:
Mondays from 9:30-10:30 or Wednesday 9:30-10:30 AM or Fridays 9:30-10:30 AM
Unicorn Riders
This class is all about unicorn fun!! Each class includes a unicorn story, unicorn craft/activity and most importantly a unicorn pony ride. Come meet our unicorns and join us for some unicorn adventures. THERE WILL BE A UNICORN RIDE IN EVERY CLASS.
Class runs on:
Mondays, or Wednesday at 12:30-1:30 PM
Dr Suess on the Loose
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."
Students will learn Science, Math, Music, Literacy, Social Studies, Art, and Physical Education concepts through hands-on activities inspired by Dr. Seuss books. Each week of this class focuses on a different Dr. Seuss book which makes it perfect to try out a single session for just $21!
Class runs on:
Tuesdays at 12:30-1:30 PM
*Sorry, no drop-ins, must sign up online.*
Exploring Nature with Eric Carle
The Hungry Caterpillar, The Grouchy Ladybug, The Tiny Seed. These are just a few of the books that were written and illustrated by Eric Carle. Each week students will listen to a story about Eric Carle and then participate in a variety of book-inspired science, math, music, literacy, movement, and art activities. A different book is used each week which makes it perfect to try out a single session for just $21!
Class runs on:
Thursdays at 10:45-11:45 AM
Farmyard Chefs
Grab your chef hat and an apron and join us for Farmyard Chefs! Our young cooks will explore textures, improve fine and gross motor skills, practice measuring, and caring for animals as they create everything from pig pies to goat salads in our mud kitchen. Together, we will follow recipes for some of the farmyard animal’s favorite treats. After we mix, mash and measure, we will head out to serve the animals our culinary delights! Bon appetit!
Class time: Cost: $21 per class
Session Dates: Wednesdays from 10:45 AM-11:45 PM
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Rodeo Roundup
Calling all Cowboys and Cowgirls. This class is all about rodeo fun!! Each class includes a horse story and fun activity including pony crafts, horse activities, learning to groom/decorate a pony and MORE! THERE WILL BE A PONY RIDE IN EVERY CLASS.
Class runs on:
Fridays at 12:30-1:30 PM
Nature Rangers
Join us in our new outdoor nature classroom and explore nature. Students in this class will learn more about nature through observations, hands-on activities, experiments, and creative play. Plan on getting messy during this class. Participants should wear old clothes and rainboots.
Class runs on:
Tuesdays at 1:45-2:45 PM
Art of Nature
Let’s use nature to create art. In this class we will use flowers, sticks, rocks, leaves, pinecones, and seeds as we complete art projects. Some of the projects in this class are: flower lanterns, flower flags, pinecone splatter painting, leaf animals, and painted rocks.
Class runs on:
Thursdays at 12:30-1:30 PM
Junior Zookeepers
Whether you are looking to add to your personal menagerie or just an animal lover extraordinaire, come join us on this zoo adventure!
Activities may include: learning animal fun facts, building toys for animals, creating animal art masterpieces, viewing animal habitats, caring for animals, playing fun animal themed games, cooking animal treats in the kitchen, and of course meeting the animals!
Each class is themed and will guide our activities for the week. This is the perfect way to get your child exposed to a variety of different species of animals.
Animal and/or Physical Education Courses:
Equine Science
Students in this course will gain a strong understanding of horsemanship through readings, hands on activities, and journaling. During this educationally rich science program, students will learn: how horses move, their anatomy, horse's jobs, horse's gaits, their wants and needs, proper care, horse history and art!
The journal resource is PACKED with interactive pages that will allow students to travel through horse and human history, document their results from various experiences, record what they've learned, complete breed of the week profiles, understand equestrian vocabulary and even some crafts!
Riding Add on is $45 per lesson
Contact us for group riding openings before or after class!
Please contact us for correct placement prior to signing up for class
Classroom time with riding is 2 hours
Introduction to Veterinary: Large and Small Animals
Through out this course students will learn the importance of preventive care, proper diet, common illnesses, animal anatomy, wound care and more using the animals on Double J Riding Club's property. This course will work with both our large and small animals and will include the full horse veterinary mini session within the schoolwork.
Session Dates: Tuesdays from 1:45-2:45 PM OR 4:30-5:30 PM
Entomology
During this course, students will learn about insects, the most diverse group of animal life on earth. Through reading, hands-on activities, and insect meet and greets, students will learn how insects live and interact with each other, the characteristics of insects, how insects move, and what insects eat. By the end of the semester, students will apply their knowledge and create an imaginary insect.
Session Dates: Tuesdays from 12:30-1:30 PM
Ecology: Wetlands
Does your child have a love and interest for animals and their environment?!
Ecology is an ongoing science class at the farmhouse. This semester’s focus is wetlands. Students in this course will gain a strong understanding of wetland habitats and learn about the animals and plant life that live there through readings, outdoor exploration, and experiments.
Session Dates: Thursdays 10:45-11:45 AM
Horse Show
In this class students will learn how to show a horse. Students will learn several different skills including groom techniques, braiding, clipping, cleaning equipment, types of horse competitions and more! Students will master and complete a showmanship at halter competition for their final project. Caregivers are encouraged to attend and cheer on classmates throughout the show on the last day of class.
Session Dates: Tuesdays 12:30-1:30 PM
Farm Free Play
During Farm Free Play participants will be to choose their own physical activities under the watchful eyes of one of our farmhouse instructors.
Class time: Cost: $10 per class
Session Dates: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 3:00-4:15 PM
Animal Adaptions
Animals are truly amazing. In this class students will learn about animal adaptations through readings, hands-on activities, and experiments. Our first week will focus on bird adaptations. Students will learn about the different types of bird beaks and feet. Then they will participate in bird beak adaptation activity where they will discover which beaks are best for getting a particular food type. Finally, students will apply their new knowledge and create their own imaginary bird species.
Session Dates: Thursdays from 1:45-2:45 PM
Farm Hand 101
Farm Hand 101 will learn all about real farming and teamwork while doing age-appropriate farm chores and animal care in a fun way! Chores include giving animals baths, collecting eggs, gardening, caring for animals, making natural cleaners, cleaning habitats, helping feed animals, creating animal enrichments, and more! Rubber boots and messy clothes are mandatory.
Junior Zookeepers
Whether you are looking to add to your personal menagerie or just an animal lover extraordinaire, come join us on this zoo adventure!
Activities may include: learning animal fun facts, building toys for animals, creating animal art masterpieces, viewing animal habitats, caring for animals, playing fun animal themed games, cooking animal treats in the kitchen, and of course meeting the animals!
Each class is themed and will guide our activities for the week. This is the perfect way to get your child exposed to a variety of different species of animals.
This hands on and classroom oriented class is perfect for avid animal lovers to extend their animal science knowledge.
Session Dates: Thursdays from 1:45-2:45 PM OR 4:30-5:30 PM
Animal Science
Whether you are looking to add to your personal menagerie or just an animal lover extraordinaire, come join us on this zoo adventure!
Activities may include: learning animal fun facts, building toys for animals, creating animal art masterpieces, viewing animal habitats, caring for animals, playing fun animal themed games, cooking animal treats in the kitchen, and of course meeting the animals!
Each class is themed and will guide our activities for the week. This is the perfect way to get your child exposed to a variety of different species of animals.
This hands on and classroom oriented class is perfect for avid animal lovers to extend their animal science knowledge.
Session Dates: Wednesdays from 1:45-2:45 PM
Science Courses:
Slime Science and Cool Chemistry
Super Slime & Cool Chemistry provides an entertaining lesson on polymers and their properties. These somewhat complex chemistry topics are introduced in a fun and hands-on way to help students see science in action! There’s no doubt about it–chemistry is cool. In this course students will make different types of slime, as well as learn about polymers, acids, bases, and chemical reactions through a variety of hands-on experiments.
Session Dates: Thursdays 12:30-1:30 PM
Earth Science 2
Instructed by Rebecca Irwin
Classes are appropriate for ages about 10-16.
Session Dates: Tuesdays 10:45-11:45 AM
Conservation Science
Conservation Science focuses on our planet, Earth. Students will identify current threats to the planet and what actions can help heal and protect it. During the course students will learn about composting, renewable energy, endangered species, water pollution, and air pollution. Students will take away practical solutions to environmental problems, and implement them in their own homes.
Class Times: Wednesdays 10:45-11:45 AM
Weather Wonders
Welcome to Weather Wonders. In this hands on wacky weather class, students will learn about Lightning and Thunder, Clouds and Rainbows, Blizzards, as well as Tornados and Hurricanes while conducting their own weather experiments and crafting their own storm systems.
Class times: Thursdays 9:30-10:30 AM
National Parks
There’s no doubt about it–our national parks are truly a treasure! In this class students will virtually visit selected parks. They will learn about the unique landforms, flora, and fauna that are found in each park, as well as how to identify animal tracks and scat. In addition, they will learn about the history of the park and activities that can be done at each park. Students will also complete activities that will allow them to become a Junior Ranger at Mammoth Cave and receive their first Junior Ranger Badge. This class is taught by our Farmhouse Instructor, Ryan Cunningham who has a degree in ecology and environmental science.
Session Dates: Tuesdays 9:30-10:30 AM
Experimental Science: Living Science
Class Times: Wednesdays 9:30-10:30 AM
Evolution
We'll learn about the processes through which species change, how new species form, how we study the relationships among species, and what this can tell us about past evolutionary processes.
Session Dates: Thursdays 10:45-11:45 AM
History Courses and literacy courses:
International Studies
Grab your passports and join us for this beloved program! Throughout this multi-semester course, students will travel to more than 30 countries while encountering their culture, traditions, holidays, arts and celebrations. In addition students will learn about world geography and major landmarks of each country.
This semester students will learn more about Kenya, Ecuador, Norway, and India through readings, hands-on experiences, and art activities. Students will learn about the language of each country and taste traditional foods.
Let’s learn about different countries and their cultures. This semester students will learn more about Kenya, Ecuador, Norway, and India through readings, hands-on experiences, and art activities. Students will learn about the language of each country and taste traditional foods.
Session Dates: Wednesday 1:45-2:45 PM
Nature and Novels: Charlottes Web
Nature and Novels is a new set of courses offered at the farmhouse that focuses on language arts and science skills. In this course, students will use Charlotte’s Web By E.B. White, the classic story about a pig and a spider. Each week the instructor will read selected chapters with students. Students will discuss the novel, practice language arts skills, and learn more about science. In addition, several STEM projects will be completed. This class covers the Common Core Reading Literature Standards, the Common Core Language Standards, and NGSS Ecosystems Standards.
Session Dates: Wednesdays 10:45-11:45 AM
Wonders of Writing
Tap into your inner writer! Students in this class will create poetry, short stories, and informational pieces. Students will pick their favorite writing to turn into a published book. Caregivers will be invited to our Author’s Tea the last week of class. This class is taught by our Farmhouse and Camp Coordinator, Jenifer Reichardt, who is a certified teacher who has trained under the Illinois Writing Project a division of the National Writing Project.
Session Dates: Tuesdays 12:30-1:30 PM
Nature and Novels: Poppy
Nature and Novels is a new set of courses offered at the farmhouse that focuses on language arts and science skills. In this course, students will use Poppy By Avi. This story is about a mouse who goes to great lengths to save her family. Each week the instructor will read selected chapters with students. Students will discuss the novel, practice language arts skills, and learn more about forest ecosystems. Students will dissect owl pellets in this course. This course covers the Common Core Reading Literature Standards, the Common Core Language Standards, and NGSS Ecosystems Standards.
Session Dates: Thursdays 12:30-1:30 PM
Elective Courses:
Garden Green Thumbs
Spring is here and it’s time to garden! In this hands-on class, students will learn more about plants and gardening. They will learn how to take care of our aquaponics system and vermicomposting bin, as well as help plan, plant, and care for the gardens at the farm.
Session Dates: Tuesdays from 10:45-11:45 am
Horse Art
Calling all horse and art fans! This class is for you. Each week participants will create a horse art project using different types of art media. Projects include a 3-d cardboard horse, a peat pot moss horse, a mixed media dala horse, and silhouette horses.
Class Meets: Tuesdays 1:45-2:45 PM
Garden Math
Class Experience
Session Dates: Wednesdays 12:30-1:30 PM
Nature's Classroom
Head on over to our new outdoor nature classroom and participate in STEM activities. This class focuses on design, numbers, and shapes in nature. Learning experiences will include: calculating the age of a tree, building a bee hotel, making a nectar feeder, measuring and graphing the lengths of leaves, identifying animal tracks, identifying shapes and patterns in nature, and calculating hiking paces. Many of the activities in this course align to the new Girl Scout Math In Nature badges.
Session Dates: Thursdays from 1:45-2:45 PM
Cartooning and Anime
Calling all budding artists! Join us this semester as we learn about cartooning and anime. Participants in this class will learn the basics of cartooning and anime through directed drawings. Animation will also be covered in the class and students will create an animated flip book.
Session Dates: Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30 PM
Questions?
Call or email us to discuss the Homeschool Programs!
Contact Us Today!
708-528-4674
doublejridingclub@gmail.com