Síolta is a nature-based homeschool cooperative based at Glendara Homestead. Síolta (pronounced SHEEL’ tuh) is the Irish word for “seeds.” Parents and children gather each week to learn, celebrate seasonal cultural festivals and traditions, and participate in weekly nature-centered cultural activities and food preparation. Youth are also participants in various youth-initiated special interest clubs. All activities are a way of moving young families toward sustainable simple living, and educating children and families for sustainability leadership in a rapidly changing 21st century Age of the Anthropocene.
Síolta provides community for homeschooled children and parents who chose a nature-based homeschool path that emphasizes story, song, art, nature and meaningful seasonal experiences. These include festivals and celebrations such as Martinmas, an Advent Spiral, Candlemas/St. Brigid’s Day and May Day. The group time involves gathering for a full group circle (songs and stories) and then breaking out into smaller age-based groups for activities, lessons and crafts led by the parents and older children. We return as a full group for a shared lunch, and then children go outside to explore the land with an hour of unstructured free play. The group meets weekly from September through June.
For more information or to inquire about joining Síolta, please contact Meg Breen at meg [at] anamduan.org.