The kinders were really excited about the fire and storytelling that was planned as part of our Walk for Wenjack. We noticed though, that we had gotten a little low on kindling for starting the fire and wondered about getting some from the forest (just enough) to help us with this problem. The children shared their ideas about what they …
Jessica Holder RECE, BSc, Forest School Practitioner & Karen Eilersen RECE, Forest School Practitioner Given that this article focuses on the outdoor natural environment, it is important to acknowledge the land our Discovery childcare centre is situated on. “This land was occupied by the Huron-Wendat Nation. Huron was a name given by the French meaning “boar’s head” in reference to …
The Kinders have experienced their first harvest of the season! We were delighted to discover just a few ripe strawberries in our very hot and very humid patch but, as you’ll see, this isn’t really about the strawberries but, rather, where the discovery of exactly seven ripe strawberries combined with emergent learning can lead our program to go and grow …
A stick, a branch, a log. These parts of trees that once stood tall and mighty are some of the natural loose parts our Kindergarten children have been drawn to over the course of our time together. While the children are very unique and have a unique array of skills, ideas and interests on any given day, the use of …
The children have been delighting in their reciprocal relationship with winter birds. The children sing in the forest; the birds sing back to us, the children offer nourishment to the birds in the form of sunflower seeds; they, in turn, nourish the curiosity of the children and their desire to be closer to the birds by gracing us with their …
I was inspired to share a recent experience that I had while observing children engaged in playful learning experiences in our kindergarten program. I am always amazed at the lessons we can learn about ourselves when we are co-learning with children. I am always amazed at the lessons about life and the world we hope to create when we listen …
I have been privileged enough to spend the week of November 30-December 4, 2020 in the preschool program. I spent the days working, learning, and noticing alongside Angie, Lisa, and Sam. I noticed how the educators have a passion for connecting children with their space. We had conversations about creating engaging, magical moments for all of the children while they …
It’s been one month since I began my journey at forest school, and I must say, it has been quite the adventure! Having worked in what many call “traditional” childcare settings, this was a new change for me. My days used to be filled with scripted activities and following the clock. At forest school, I have been able to be …
Nature Pedagogy, Forest School, Free Range…the spectrum within the world of Nature Pedagogy is vast and encompasses many different, valuable perspectives. The way in which educators and organizations make decisions about which ethos most closely aligns with their values takes time, reflection, and lots of research. This way of being will look different to each educator and organization based on …
Today, in the forest, I was working with some of my kindergarten friends as they were sharing plans, ideas and methods for creating a rope swing when I bore witness to what just may be my favourite exchange between children with regards to forest school and what it means to children and their development and how they view their experiences …
