Holding the Thread

Why Holding the Thread Exists

Modern childhood is noisy.

Holding the Thread offers:

Real materials
Deep focus
Steady rhythm

Less chaos.
More mastery.

Who this is for

For children ages 4–6 who are ready to:
- Work slowly with their hands
- Stay with a project over time
- Follow gentle rhythm
- Take pride in careful work
And for parents who:
- Long for more art and depth
- Want to offer meaningful experiences
- Feel stretched doing it alone
- Are seeking true community
- Are hungry for a village

This is for families who value presence, patience, and shared care.

Save My Spot

Finger Knitting

Ancestral Skills

Watercolor

What to Expect

A calm, meaningful morning of story, handwork, and connection; without rushing or overstimulation.

Arrival & Free Play

9:30a

Children arrive slowly, explore natural materials, and settle into the morning with ease.

Story & Handwork

9:50a

A seasonal folk story followed by guided handwork using natural materials. Building focus, patience, and pride.

Closing & Carrying Home

11:00a

A special closing circle to gather the group, and prepare for transition back into the day.

Series Details

Holding the Thread is a small spring series with one gentle “try it first” Open House, followed by guided project sessions and a final family gallery. The full series is the intended experience; Saturday drop-ins are available only if space allows.

Open House (Start Here)

Friday, March 27
Included with $25 registration
Meet teachers, explore the grounds, and learn basic finger knitting.

No full commitment required yet.

Third Session

Saturday, May 23

Embroidery + bag project

Drop-ins welcome if space allows

First Session

Friday, April 24
First full project day
Finger knitting + wet felting

Series enrollment begins here.

Final Session

Friday, May 29

Family celebration
Completed work on display.

Final touches & questions.

Second Session

Saturday, May 9
Sewing basics
Drop-ins welcome if space allows

Designed to support full-series students.

Note

Registration includes the Open House and places families in line for remaining series spots. Full-series enrollment is confirmed first. Saturday sessions are offered as space allows.

End of Season Gallary

A special, joyful celebration of your child’s work and growth.

At the end of the season, families are invited to walk through a small gallery of the children’s handwork and artwork, honoring their effort, patience, and creativity.

Grandparents and loved ones are warmly welcome.

A beautiful way to close the season together.

I want to join the workshop series,
Sign me up!

Apply Now

Meet the Team

Our team was carefully hand selected for their background, passions, and ability to lead children in gentle, holistics, and meaningful ways.

Facilitator | Founder | Lead Guide

Tesha

Tesha is the heart behind Tranquil Waters Forest School.

She has personally designed and led nearly every craft, rhythm, and seasonal offering on the grounds; weaving together handwork, storytelling, and nature into a living curriculum.

Rooted in Waldorf/Steiner philosophy and years of hands-on community leadership, Tesha creates spaces where children feel secure, capable, and deeply seen.

Families trust her because she lives this work. Not as a program, but as a way of life.

Lead Teacher | Fibers & Handwork

Olivia

Olivia brings a rare blend of professional teaching experience and gentle, intuitive presence.

Her work centers on slowing children down helping them settle, focus, and discover joy in simple, meaningful creation.

With warmth, patience, and realistic expectations, Olivia meets children where they are and guides them forward with care.

Families often notice how quickly children feel safe and confident in her presence.

Assistant Teacher

Kayla

Kayla brings years of hands-on classroom experience and a deep love for creative learning.

With a background at the Rainforest Learning Center in Chicago, she understands how to engage children through imagination, movement, and meaningful projects.

She has a natural ability to notice quiet needs, offer gentle guidance, and help children feel confident in new experiences.

Families often appreciate how steady and attentive her presence feels.

Assistant Teacher

Mariah

Mariah blends movement, play, and creativity into everything she does.

As a longtime member of the Forest School community, she understands the rhythm and values of our days from the inside out.

With nearly 20 years of experience working with and instructing children of various ages, she brings both deep intuition and professional skill to her work.

Her joyful, grounded approach helps children relax, take healthy risks, and explore with confidence.

Mariah brings warmth, laughter, and emotional safety to every gathering.