About Us
Commitment to Excellence
Our mission is to embrace the holistic development of your learner both inside and out. We encourage critical thinking and emphasize the learning process over rote memorization, while also teaching our students to develop a sense of unity between themselves and the natural world.
Philosophy
Little Learners Outdoors provides an alternative educational opportunity for your little learners aged 3-6. Little Learners program is learner centered, and play-based, inspired by Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf programs. The holistic approach is designed so that little learners can develop cognitive, physical, and emotional skills. All of our learning takes place in the most natural classroom setting...outdoors!
Learning Through Play
Mud Kitchen
Building Zone
Building Zone
Learners can develop fine motor skills in the Mud Kitchen while also using their creativity to create imaginary cooking scenes. A favorite area at Little Learners Outdoors.
Building Zone
Building Zone
Building Zone
Learners practice engineering skills in the Building Zone or Rock Pit. With natural wood blocks, bricks, stones, balls and ramps, dinosaurs and animals, learners can build unlimited scenes for imaginary play.
Art
Building Zone
Wildflower Maze
Little Learners have plenty of materials to show off their creativity in our Art Area. Paint, markers, crayons, paper and many natural materials, help learners create beautiful nature art.
Wildflower Maze
Wildflower Maze
Wildflower Maze
Learners can get plenty of exercise in our Wildflower Maze. An all time favorite, is the classic hide and seek. When playing learners develop coordination, impulse control and develop gross motor skills.
Sandlot
Wildflower Maze
Music Wall
Learners develop both fine and gross motor skills when playing in the Sandlot. During exploration with sand and water they also build eye hand coordination and utilize their imagination to create open ended play scenarios.
Music Wall
Wildflower Maze
Music Wall
Learners can make music like Mozart on our Music Wall. While playing here, they will develop social emotional skills and enhance communication. Playing music helps increase their working memory and boost concentration.
Picnic Area
Reading Area
Reading Area
We always want Learners to nourish their bodies. We recommend bringing a healthy snack to enjoy in our picnic area.
"Food is not just fuel. Food is about family, food is about community, food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well." - Michael Pollan
Reading Area
Reading Area
Reading Area
Little Learners develop a love for reading in the laps of adults. We always have books available in our reading area.
"A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude of counselors." – Charles Baudelaire
Little Learners Staff
Shelley Smith
This Could Be You!
Kellie Tortorich
Shelley Smith grew up in Louisiana and went to USM, where she received her Bachelors in Elementary Education. She then worked for 2 years teaching 6th graders in Hattiesburg, MS. Her next adventure began in Baton Rouge when began to teach kindergarten. In 2009, she earned her Masters in Early Childhood Education from LSU. Shelley has 2
Shelley Smith grew up in Louisiana and went to USM, where she received her Bachelors in Elementary Education. She then worked for 2 years teaching 6th graders in Hattiesburg, MS. Her next adventure began in Baton Rouge when began to teach kindergarten. In 2009, she earned her Masters in Early Childhood Education from LSU. Shelley has 20 years of teaching experience, but has been working with children for more than 28 years. Her latest teaching experiences began in 2017 when she became a certified Tinkergarten Leader and in 2020 when she started Little Learners Outdoors.
Kellie Tortorich
This Could Be You!
Kellie Tortorich
Kellie Tortorich is a Louisiana native who graduated from USM with a BFA in Painting and Drawing. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree she also studied painting/drawing, bookmaking, and papermaking abroad in Rome and Cortona, Italy. After graduating, she received her Master’s degree in Education from William Carey University in Hattiesbu
Kellie Tortorich is a Louisiana native who graduated from USM with a BFA in Painting and Drawing. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree she also studied painting/drawing, bookmaking, and papermaking abroad in Rome and Cortona, Italy. After graduating, she received her Master’s degree in Education from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS. While living in Mississippi, she taught High-School Art in New Augusta for two years and founded and managed a study abroad program for her students called “Art Makes You Smart” to send them to Europe to study art. She has been out of the classroom for the last 5 years staying at home with her two kids pursuing lots of child-led outdoor play. Kellie has always had a passion for bringing art into the classroom or, in this case, out of the classroom - especially with young children!
This Could Be You!
This Could Be You!
This Could Be You!
Currently seeking a part-time educator to assist in nature-based classes for children ages 3-10. This position can provide 12-20 hours a week. The educator will assist in planning and facilitating weekly lessons, incorporating large amounts of hands-on outdoor exploration in all types of weather. They will encourage students to ask questi
Currently seeking a part-time educator to assist in nature-based classes for children ages 3-10. This position can provide 12-20 hours a week. The educator will assist in planning and facilitating weekly lessons, incorporating large amounts of hands-on outdoor exploration in all types of weather. They will encourage students to ask questions, explore, and lead their own learning.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Fostering a positive learning environment by creating a calm and joyful atmosphere. Encouraging growth towards independence for each child, and assisting children in helping themselves and discovering their individual potential.
Supervise and be responsible for the physical, emotional, and social well-being and safety for all children.
Responsible environmental steward and willing to teach students to be stewards of the Earth.
Collaborate with other teaching staff to establish a cohesive approach to instruction.
Communicate with supervisor and families about children’s progress, needs and concerns.
Enjoys and is comfortable working outdoors in all weather, year-round while attending to children’s needs.
Allow children to resolve own conflicts and recognize when it is appropriate to intervene.
Other tasks performed as requested.
This position is ideal for someone who:
Has experience working with children
Understands child development and educational techniques
Works well with children in a calm and gentle manner
Is nurturing, caring and patient in addressing the individual needs of each child
Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Has the ability to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, pull, push, sit without back support, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and 10-35 pounds.
Has reliable transportation.
Send resumes to littlelearnersoutdoors@gmail.com