About Us
Little Saplings Learning not only grows learners for a season but for a lifetime. We believe that every child is like a little sapling with the potential to grow strong and fruitful as a mature tree. Little Saplings is here to help children grow strong roots in education and the natural world as well as help them build strong canopy of confidence and curiosity.
Growing Life Long Learners

Our Story
Little Saplings all started with our founder, Tami Nielsen, transitioned from teaching in the classroom to being a stay at home mom. She had the dream to not only teach her own children the basics, but foster their nature curiosity and desire to learn. Tami Created Little Saplings Learning to provide children with an education tailored to each child with engaging, hands-on, multisensory learning tied into the natural world.
A Bit About Me
Tami Nielsen (Ms. Tami)
First and foremost I am a lover of creativity, nature, and learning. Exploring, creating, and learning with my family is my happy place, especially when we are out in nature.
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Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child is an innate learner, brimming with curiosity and a unique connection to the natural world. I see the environment as a living classroom, rich with lessons that are waiting to be discovered through exploration, sensory experiences, and hands-on learning.
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Core Principles:
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Child-Centered Learning
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Integrated Curriculum
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Community and Connection
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Foster Curiosity
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In practice, my classroom is a dynamic space where students are encouraged to ask questions, pursue their interests, and engage with their surroundings. Whether we’re studying the life cycle of a plant, the physics of a flowing stream, or the geometry of a spider’s web, every lesson is an opportunity to foster a deeper appreciation for nature and to cultivate the innate wonder each child holds within.

Child-Centered Learning
Each student is seen as a whole person, with their own interests, rhythms, and ways of interacting with the world. I strive to nurture their natural curiosity and guide them in their journey of discovery.
Integrated Curriculum
Learning is not confined to textbooks. Instead, it is interwoven with the environment, allowing students to draw connections between their studies and the world around them.
Community and Connection
Education is a collaborative effort. By fostering a sense of community within the classroom and the larger ecosystem, students learn the value of relationships and stewardship.
Foster Curiosity
All humans are naturally curious, especially children. By fostering a sense of curiosity within the classroom and in life, students learn the value of asking questions and finding answers. Teaching students to find answers to their questions is paramount.
Education
Experience
2011-2014
BYU-Idaho
I graduated from Brigham Young University with my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I completed my student teaching in a 2nd grade classroom and also spent time teaching in 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and Kindergarten classrooms.
2015-2016
Weber State University
I completed my English as a Second Language Endorsement through Weber State University while teaching my second year. As part of the program I completed courses that help me teach any student learning English such as:
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Literacy Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners
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English Phonology and Syntax for ESL Teachers
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Foundations of Teaching for Cultural and Language Differences
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I taught 4th grade at a Title 1 school for 2 years.
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Organized and ran a preschool co-op.
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Opened Little Saplings Learning and taught an in-home preschool and Kindergarten.
2014-2016
Ogden, UT
2019-2021
San Tan Valley, AZ
2021-2022
2023-2024
San Tan Valley, AZ