📖 Why We Don’t Force Kids to Learn to Read (And Why It Works)

At farm school, one of the most common questions we hear from curious parents and skeptical educators alike is: “But how will they learn to read if you don’t teach them?”

It’s a fair question—especially in a world where reading by a certain age is treated almost like a milestone on a pediatric growth chart. But here’s our controversial truth:

We don’t force kids to learn to read.

And guess what?

They do anyway.

The Myth of the “Right Age”

Mainstream education insists that reading must begin between ages 5 and 7, or a child will “fall behind.” But this notion ignores the reality that children develop at vastly different rates—and that forced early reading can sometimes cause more harm than good. In traditional schools, kids who aren’t reading “on time” are often labeled, tracked, and stigmatized. Confidence takes a hit. The love of learning begins to erode.

At Mugwort, we believe learning is most powerful when it’s internally motivated. That includes reading.

Learning to Read Is Like Learning to Talk

Did you “teach” your toddler how to talk with worksheets and tests? Of course not. Children learn to speak by being immersed in a world where language is meaningful, shared, and valued.

Reading works much the same way. In a literacy-rich environment, surrounded by books, conversations, games, signs, labels, and peers who love reading, children become curious. They start to connect letters with sounds, sounds with words, and words with meaning—often without formal instruction at all.

The Real Data

Schools in the Sudbury model, including ours, have decades of experience showing that children do learn to read—sometimes at 4, sometimes at 14. But here's the kicker: those who learn later don’t lag behind. In fact, many catch up within months once they’re ready and motivated.

More importantly, they associate reading with joy and empowerment—not with pressure and shame.

What “Late” Readers Know That Others Don’t

A child who learns to read at 11 after choosing to do so often brings a level of maturity, purpose, and intrinsic motivation that fuels rapid mastery. They read because they want to know something, explore a game, follow a recipe, or dive into a fantasy novel their friends are raving about. The learning is functional, relevant, and sticky.

Contrast that with a 6-year-old forced to decode phonics drills without context or interest. Which one is actually “ahead”?

Our Role as Adults

At Mugwort, our job isn’t to coerce—it’s to support. We provide books, games, mentorship, read-alouds, discussions, and tons of literacy-rich resources. If a child asks for help learning to read, we give it gladly. If they don’t, we trust their timeline. It’s not neglect. It’s deep respect for their process.

Trusting the Process

The decision not to force reading isn’t about being radical for the sake of it. It’s about honoring children as capable learners who, given the freedom and a supportive environment, will learn exactly what they need—when they’re ready.

And yes, they all learn to read.

So maybe the real question isn’t “What if they don’t?”
Maybe it’s “What might they discover—about reading, and themselves—if we stop forcing it?”

☀️ Soaking Up the Sun: Sunlight, Sunscreen, and What Your Body Really Needs

The sun gets a bit of a bad rap these days.

It wasn’t always this way. For most of human history, sunlight was seen as essential — a life-giving force, a natural healer. People rose and rested with the sun. Kids played outside without worrying about UVA or SPF. And no one thought twice about their vitamin D levels.

Then came the warnings.

Skin cancer rates rose. Sunscreen became a staple. “Avoid direct sunlight between 10 and 2” became standard advice. We started slathering our kids (and ourselves) in thick, chalky layers of SPF 50 and keeping wide-brimmed hats in every bag.

So, what’s the truth? Is the sun dangerous? Is sunscreen safe? And how do we make sense of the conflicting information?

Let’s start with what we know:

☀️ The Sun Isn’t Bad — It’s Vital
Our bodies need sunlight. Daily, moderate exposure to sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D — a hormone that plays a huge role in immune function, bone health, mood regulation, and more. In fact, vitamin D deficiency is now linked to a wide range of issues, from fatigue and depression to weakened immunity.

Sunlight also helps regulate our circadian rhythms, improves sleep quality, and supports mental health. There's a reason being outside in the sun just feels better — our bodies are wired for it.

😎 But Yes, Too Much Can Be Harmful
Too much unprotected exposure, especially during peak hours, can increase your risk of skin damage and certain types of skin cancer. Sunburns — especially in childhood — are known risk factors. So it’s not about fearing the sun, but about respecting it. Like most things in nature, balance is key.

🧴 Now… What About Sunscreen?
This is where things get messy.

Some dermatologists argue sunscreen is essential — every single day, year-round. But many in the natural wellness community have concerns, especially about chemical sunscreens that may contain ingredients like oxybenzone or octinoxate, which have been shown to disrupt hormones and potentially harm coral reefs.

There’s also the question of blocking vitamin D. If you’re wearing high-SPF sunscreen every time you're in the sun, your body might not be producing the vitamin D it needs — especially if you live in a northern climate or spend a lot of time indoors.

🌿 What’s a Thoughtful, Balanced Approach?
Here’s what many integrative practitioners and natural health advocates suggest:

• Embrace the sun, mindfully. Spend time in the sun during the early morning or late afternoon, when UV exposure is gentler.

• Build a base. Allow your skin to gradually adjust to the sun, rather than going from zero to sunburn.

• Cover up naturally. Use hats, light clothing, or seek shade when the sun is strongest.

• Choose safer sunscreens. Mineral-based options (like those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) create a physical barrier without the chemical load.

• Don’t fear every ray. Your body was made for sunlight. Just be smart about it.

☀️🌿

We’d love to hear from you — how do you approach sun safety in your family? Do you lean more natural, more conventional, or somewhere in between? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

🪵 Lessons You Can’t Download: The Case for Outdoor Schooling

It usually starts with a stick. Not a fancy toy, not a glowing screen — just a stick lying on the ground. In a few minutes, it’s a magic wand, a fishing pole, a bridge between two trees. You can almost see it happening: a child’s mind waking up, their imagination stretching out into the open air.

This is what unplugged outdoor schooling looks like. And honestly, it’s kind of magical.

In a world where so much learning happens indoors, sitting at desks, and behind screens, we believe kids need something different — something wilder, slower, and a little bit dirtier. They need fresh air, wide open spaces, and the chance to really be in their bodies and in the world around them.

When children spend their days outdoors without the constant pull of technology, something amazing happens: They notice things. They breathe a little deeper. They start to build — forts, friendships, stories, and skills.

They stop being consumers of information and start being creators of their own experience.

And it’s not just about play (though play is deeply important). It’s about growth.

Out here, kids build focus that isn’t fueled by dopamine hits from a screen. They solve real problems: How do we move this big log? How do we build a shelter before it rains? They make decisions, take risks, and learn from natural consequences — lessons that no app or online program can truly replicate.

Their bodies get stronger. Their hearts get lighter. Their minds get clearer. And maybe best of all, they rediscover the deep, quiet joy of simply being — in the sun, in the wind, in the mud, in the moment.

At Farm School, we’re not just growing vegetables. We’re growing resilience, curiosity, confidence, and wonder. We’re giving kids the kind of education that sticks — the kind you can’t swipe away. So next time you see a child deep in conversation with a worm or building a village out of sticks and stones, know this: They’re doing the real work. They’re learning the real lessons.

No screens required.

☀️ Harvesting Joy, Cultivating Minds: Summer Camp on the Farm

Looking for a summer camp that’s a little more wild and a whole lot more wonderful? Welcome to our Unplugged Summer Camp—where kids ages 4–12 get to spend their days zipping through trees, cuddling rabbits, harvesting veggies, and making real memories under the sun.

Set on a vibrant outdoor urban farm campus, our camp is more than just fresh air and dirt under the fingernails—it’s a unique learning experience built on the Sudbury model of education, where kids lead their own adventures and curiosity is the compass. There are no rigid schedules or screens here—just open skies, nature, and a community that values freedom, collaboration, and creativity.

🌿 What Does a Day at Camp Look Like?

From 8:30am to 4:30pm, each day offers a full helping of exploration, imagination, and connection:

• Zip Line Thrills: Campers can challenge themselves on our zip line, gaining confidence and a healthy dose of adrenaline.

• Hands-On Gardening: Kids dig into organic gardening, learning where their food comes from and how to grow it themselves.

• Animal Companions: Chickens and rabbits are part of our camp family—gentle creatures that teach empathy, responsibility, and a little farmyard fun.

• Card & Board Games: Whether it’s a quiet round of Uno or a strategic game of Settlers of Catan, kids bond, laugh, and learn together.

• Arts & Crafts: Creative expression flows freely with daily opportunities to paint, sculpt, stitch, and build.

• Meal Magic: Our organic menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with opportunities for kids to help prepare the meals they enjoy—learning real kitchen skills and developing a love for nourishing food.

🧠 Why the Sudbury Method?

At the heart of our camp is the belief that kids thrive when they’re trusted to direct their own learning. Inspired by the Sudbury model, we encourage children to explore their interests at their own pace, supported by caring staff and an environment that respects their autonomy. This approach fosters:

• Independence and decision-making

• Natural curiosity and problem-solving

• Social-emotional development

• Real-world confidence

🥕 A Taste of Wholesome Living

We believe food is part of the learning, too. Our organic menu fuels campers with healthy, delicious meals sourced from our own gardens and local farms. And the best part? Campers have the chance to roll up their sleeves and help prepare meals—building pride, skills, and community around the table.

Ready to Unplug This Summer?

Spots fill up fast for our one-of-a-kind camp experience where dirt is welcome, screens are optional, and memories are made every single day. Join us for an unforgettable season of freedom, friendship, and farm life!

👉 Book the summer or schedule a tour today!

🌱 Back to Our Roots: CSA Season Returns to Urban Green Harvest

There’s something special about biting into a tomato that was picked just hours ago — still warm from the sun, grown just a few blocks from where you live. That’s the kind of food we believe in, and we’re thrilled to say we’re back with our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program at Urban Green Harvest!

We know it’s been a minute, but the soil is turned, the seeds are in, and we’re ready to grow with you — again.

🌱 What is a CSA, and Why Does it Matter?

At its heart, a CSA is a partnership between farmers and community members. You subscribe to receive a weekly share of our seasonal harvest, and in return, your support allows us to keep doing what we love: growing fresh, sustainable food right here in the city.

But this isn’t just a produce box. It’s a statement. A choice. A relationship between you and the land, even in an urban setting.

When you join our CSA, you:

• Eat with the seasons — enjoy what’s truly fresh and ripe each week

• Support local agriculture — keep your food dollars in the community

• Reduce your carbon footprint — say goodbye to long-haul produce and plastic waste

• Champion eco-friendly farming — we grow responsibly, using methods that promote biodiversity and minimize waste

🍅 What’s in a Share?

Each week, from mid-May to mid-October, you'll receive a beautifully curated mix of fruits and vegetables harvested at peak ripeness. Expect around $40 worth of produce per share — a changing rainbow of color, flavor, and nutrition that reflects the rhythms of the season and the richness of our soil.

Whether it's sweet peas in June, heirloom tomatoes in July, or tender greens into the fall, every box tells the story of the land it came from — and the hands that grew it.

🧑‍🌾 Why Urban Farming?

Urban farming is about reimagining what’s possible in small, underused spaces. It’s about turning vacant lots into vibrant ecosystems. It's about reconnecting with the roots of food and community — quite literally. At Urban Green Harvest, we believe that fresh, nutritious food should be accessible to everyone, no matter where you live.

And when you eat from your neighborhood farm, you’re not just nourishing your body. You're helping rebuild a local food system that values people, planet, and sustainability over convenience and packaging.

🌼 Let's Grow Together

Whether you’re a returning member or new to the CSA experience, we can’t wait to welcome you back into the fold. Every head of lettuce, bunch of carrots, and handful of cherry tomatoes carries more than flavor — it carries our shared hope for a better, greener way of living.

So, what do you say? Let’s grow together. Let’s eat like it matters.

📅 CSA season runs mid-May through mid-October
🍽️ Full shares = ~$40/week of hand-picked produce
📍 Grown right here in the city, just for you

👉 Ready to join? Schedule a tour or contact us today

🌿 Welcome to the Wild & Rooted Life

Here, we believe in getting our hands dirty — in the garden, in the kitchen, in learning, and in life.

This blog is a place where wild learning meets real living. Where children grow alongside seedlings, and where curiosity is just as important as curriculum. It's a space to explore everything from urban farming and homesteading to self-directed education, natural wellness, and sustainable living — all through the lens of community, creativity, and care for the earth.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, grower, or simply someone craving a slower, more intentional way of life, you’ll find inspiration here. From farm-fresh recipes to child-led learning ideas, composting tips to mindfulness practices — we’re here to share the messy, magical, deeply human journey of living in tune with nature and ourselves.

So welcome. Take a deep breath. And let’s grow something beautiful — together.