For Families
A Joyful Noise
Song circles for children and mothers together, and an evening circle for women.
The song circles
For Families
Stepping Stone Play Garden: a play-based program for young children in New Ipswich
A play garden for the young child to explore nature and the season.
Fall season 2026
When
Thursdays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Season
September 17 – December 10
Twelve Thursdays. No session Thanksgiving week.
Ages
Two through six
Where
Heartsong Studio
35 Old Country Road, New Ipswich, NH 03071
What is Stepping Stone Play Garden?
A play garden for the young child to explore nature and the season — the autumn season, song, circle, baking. All the things I would do in a kindergarten.
How old are the children?
Two through six.
Is this a good fit for a homeschooling family?
It was built partly with that in mind. In our community there are families who are homeschooling and want one day off — that is part of how this came to be.
Do parents stay, or drop off?
Parents drop off.
How the days run
Rhythm, not a programme of activities
The young child is learning through imitation, through repetition. So the days lean on rhythm — the same shape, the same turns — rather than on a list of things to get through.
Worthy of imitation, to me, is not just how you speak or how you move. It is how your nervous system is.
The season
Three ways to pay
Supported
If you need support
A little less, for families who need financial support. No explanation required.
$780for the season (12 weeks) · $65 per week
Enroll
Sustaining
The base rate
What the season costs to run.
$1,020for the season (12 weeks) · $85 per week
Enroll
Pay it forward
Supports the mission
A little more, for those able to give it, so that a place stays open for someone who needs the third option.
$1,140for the season (12 weeks) · $95 per week
Enroll
The season is paid up front. If a payment plan would help, please reach out.
Drop-in days
Two Play Garden days to drop in
Drop-in
Monday, October 12
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, at the studio. Ages two through six.
Drop-in
Friday, October 30
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, at the studio. Ages two through six.
The same three ways to pay as the season, for a single day.
Kristin’s list
Stay in touch with the studio
Studio offerings, supportive resources from Kristin, and news about her book on parenting that is coming soon.
More of the work
Everything grows from the same roots
