From Desks to Dirt: A Teacher Rising with the Trees

We’re thrilled to highlight Group Leader Alex Afonso, whose journey beautifully reflects the heart of what Ocean State Kids stands for. After eight years as a public school special education teacher, Alex made the courageous decision to step away from the traditional classroom to create something more meaningful — for herself, her daughter, and the next generation of learners. She is now leading the new Forest Ferns Co-op, a preschool homeschool program rooted in nature-based education, and taking her efforts a step further by pursuing her Outdoor Classroom Teacher Certification with Victoria Hackett, M.Ed. of Outdoor Classrooms.

🌿 My “Why” — By Alex Afonso

This year, I made a huge life decision and change: I quit my job in the public school system and decided to stay home with my two-year-old daughter full-time.

After eight years as a special education teacher in a Massachusetts public school, I couldn’t take it any longer. I wanted something different—for myself, for my daughter, and for the future generation of children.

It began to hurt my heart to watch children suffer — suffering under unrealistic expectations imposed by the public school system.

“Sit in your chair. Be quiet. Do your work.”

And what happens when they can’t?

They’re often referred for evaluations. Phrases like “difficulty sustaining attention” and “fidgety body” appear in reports,

followed by questions like: “ADHD?” “Medication?” “Occupational Therapy?”

But rarely do we look at or question the system itself.

These children are given fifteen minutes of outdoor time a day (or none at all if it’s raining, snowing, or below 25 degrees). They’re begging to move their bodies — to get out of those cold metal chairs — and we call it misbehavior.

This is my why.

Because I want to believe in — and support — something different.

My daughter Addie is two and a half years old and happiest when she’s outside. She’s never seen a TV show or a movie. She digs in the dirt, finds worms, collects rocks, and makes mud pies. She’s a sensitive soul, and I want to nurture her love for nature while deepening her strength, resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills.

After I quit my job, I discovered Ocean State Kids — and everything fell into place. I found a community of like-minded parents who also want something different for their children.

Starting this January, I’ll be leading a new group: a weekly homeschool co-op in the forest for children ages 2–5 and their parents called Forest Ferns.

Our classroom will be located on Osamequin Farm in Seekonk, MA with animals, a mud kitchen, acres of wooded trails, a campsite, and even a little “Mushroom Grove,” where a yurt-like tent was recently set up.

I can’t wait to see this space come alive with exploration, play, and connection — and to continue learning how to create an engaging, nature-based curriculum for our children.

Because this is what childhood should feel like.