About Kindle the Spark
Kindle the Spark began around the campfire at the forest school we lead. Ideas continued to develop over cups of tea in a cosy, converted barn, whilst watching our children playing and learning at our home ed co-op.
In our families we are aiming for the hygge of snug read-alouds under blankets by the woodburner in winter, den building and adventures in the warmer months and plenty of nature immersion all year round. We are constantly re-evaluating how to balance freedom to learn through play and exploration with providing a prepared environment and a rich range of opportunities that may spark further interest and learning. This is the basis of the curriculum and other materials we have created.
We’ve created resources we love to use with our children. Resources that are gentle, creative, and nature based, yet which follow a systematic progression and cover all subjects. We are delighted to provide you with the result of our combined experience teaching children in a variety of settings.
As well as home educating our children we also run:
- a forest school;
- a home education co-op; and
- a home education enrichment group
We are looking forward to sharing resources and ideas of how to establish groups like these for your children and their peers.
Who we are
Maartje, originally trained in anthropology, is now a qualified Forest and Beach School leader and educational illustrator and writer, weaving together a life rich in creativity, nature, and learning. Surrounded by her four lively home-educated children, overgrown fields and woodland garden, her days flow between outdoor adventures, home educating, gardening, and afternoons alive with crafts, science experiments, history discoveries, and music. When evening falls, she can often be found illustrating or dreaming up imaginative hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity and wonder.
Freya is a qualified teacher and loves finding ways to infuse music, art, nature and movement into home education. She is a single parent to two young daughters, enjoys pottering in her rather wild garden and hanging out with a menagerie of dogs, cats, sheep and ponies. We both live in the countryside in the south of England.
We love hearing from you and answering any questions,so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Special thanks
Our website has been developed thanks to the Devon Elevation Fund, provided by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund and managed by Devon County Council and the DR Company.
Our resources
Our secular resources are the perfect fit for eclectic home educators. Inspired by a unique blend of educational approaches we offer a rich, engaging, rigorous experience for young learners. Underpinned by evidence-based best practice for the core subjects, we weave in: a wealth of creative activities drawing from Waldorf; practical, tactile and child-led opportunities influenced by Montessori; a feast of ideas and subjects in line with Charlotte Mason; and projects and suggestions for learning outdoors inspired by Forest School.
Tales and Trails
Travel the world with beautiful tales and our comprehensive curriculum for 5-8 year olds
Nature resources
Inspire your nature studies with hand painted printables and guides
Circle time
Lively and engaging songs, fingerplays and games for 3-8 year olds
Unit studies
Perfect for enrichment ideas or use at home education co-ops for 4 - 8 year olds
What people say about our resources
‘Kindle the Sparks’ Tales and Trails is a work of art. It’s plainly obvious that the creators of this all-encompassing curriculum have an in-depth and personal understanding of how children learn best. The charming illustrations bring the story and easy to grasp instruction to life. As a home educator I know well that none of us are meant to do this alone. Freya Holland and Maartje McDermott’s creation is a joy to share with young learners and I would highly recommend it to everyone!’
Josephine T, Forest School Leader, Home Educator and Nanny.
‘Graciously crafted, all- encompassing curriculum with an umbrella approach to key areas/ subjects and introducing different cultures. Beautifully illustrated, and presented; each lesson is very clearly explained to facilitate the educator in its delivery. No expensive resources; uses what you probably have in the house. Rooted in a deep respect for every child, focusing on and facilitating child-led learning throughout the curriculum journey. I cherish the way the curriculum is based on thought provoking, enriching stories that eliminate the strife and suffering that so many traditional stories have - allowing for the development of resilience in our little ones’ souls, but in a more gentle manner. ‘
Nikki R, Primary and Secondary SEN Teacher, Forest School Leader, and Home Educating mother of two.
After feeling in a bit of a home education rut, this curriculum has given me the motivation to try something new. We read a LOT in our house and I love that each unit is based on a different story, whilst incorporating a wide range of subjects and activities that will keep everyone engaged. I ordered the book before I had even finished reading the whole curriculum! The appendices are great and will really help keep us going as I am definitely someone who needs things ready to use without having to gather lots of extra resources! I am excited for our book to arrive.
Louise M. Home educator to two children
Free resources when subscribing to our mailing list
Summer Fingerplays
Fun verses and actions to celebrate the garden, beach and creatures.
Co-ops
A detailed how-to guide for setting up a wide variety of home-ed groups or co-ops
Elderflower cordial recipe
Start your own family ritual of picking elderflowers to celebrate the start of the summer with this delicious elderflower cordial recipe!
Viking ship template
Make your own little viking ship using this sweet and simple template!
Plus more!
Kindle your child’s spark for learning today
