Experiential Learning

 
We engage children as whole persons through experiential learning!

We value hands-on experiences, living books, recitation, and nature study—hallmarks of Charlotte Mason. Guided by Scripture’s call to “taste and see,” we blend experiential learning with our teaching methods for a rich, dynamic education.

 

Immersive Learning Across All Forms

We believe that children are whole persons and as you engage their minds, you must also engage their hearts and bodies.
Field Trips:

At Lorien Wood, we believe in the transformative power of field trips, as they provide hands-on learning experiences that enrich our curriculum and ignite curiosity in our students. Through exploration beyond the classroom, we cultivate a deeper understanding of the world and foster a love for lifelong learning. 

Frequency: 

We believe that hands-on learning should be an integral part of every child's educational journey at Lorien Wood. As such, each Form participates in 8-10 field trips and in-school experiences throughout the year. Read more about these experiences on each Form's page. 

Learn More About our Form System
Hands-On Experiences:

Our dedicated teachers at Lorien Wood enjoy crafting immersive experiences like the Historic Ball and Immigration Day for Middle Schoolers. During the elementary years, students participate in a variety of in-school experiences including: Depression Day, Middle East Festival, Medieval Festival, and the Asian Market. These experiences foster deep engagement and meaningful connections to history, culture, and real-world concepts. Through these hands-on encounters, students develop a rich understanding of diverse subjects and cultivate a love for experiential learning.

Explore Examples of Experiential Learning at Lorien Wood

Students visiting the Capitol

U.S. Capitol Building

Middle School students on an in-depth tour of the U.S. Capitol Building during their Humanities study of the Revolutions Unit. 

Form 1 at Hidden Oaks

Hidden Oaks Nature Center

The Junior Kindergarten exploring the frog pond at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale, VA. 

students and teachers dressed in pioneer clothes

"Push West!"

Form 2 stepped back in time to the 1840's to image life as pioneers as they wrapped up their "Push West" unit with a fun in-school experience. Some of their adventures included the pioneer schoolroom and Oregon Train simulations, unit-integral snacks (jerky and cornbread muffins), panning for gold, and pioneer dancing and games.

students at the Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park

Watershed (6th grade) enjoying the panoramic views during an overnight camping trip to the Shenandoah National Park. 

Students dancing at the historic ball

The Historic Ball

The Historic Ball is a unique opportunity for Middle School students to adopt a character and learn the social etiquette and dances of the Revolutionary time period.

students in front of a painting at the NGA

The Quest for Beauty

Form 2 (2nd & 3rd grade) visit the Modern and Contemporary collections of the National Gallery of Art during their study of the Quest for Beauty.

Middle East feast plate

The Middle East Feast

Form 3 students (4th and 5th grade) feast on Middle Eastern delights during the in-school simulation of a Middle East Festival. 

Students posing with Rosie the Riveter

Rosie Riveter

High School ladies pose with Rosie Riveter at the Smithsonian American History Museum. 

botanical gardens form 1

Legend of the Poinsettia

Form 1 (K and 1st grade) learn about the legend of the Poinsettia at the National Botanical Gardens. 

Ellis island passengers

The Immigration Simulation

Middle school students prepare to "board the ship" during the Immigration Simulation, an immersive experience of immigrants entering the United States at Ellis Island. 

students at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center

The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center

Form 3 (4th and 5th grade) explore the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center in their World Studies Unit on the Middle East.