The kinders have been rediscovering the wonders of gardening even as the earth rests for the winter. While exploring outside together, BW, HV and CL found some white little “things” near the end of the skating rink, under some brush. “I found Something!” called BW. When April ventured closer to see what they had discovered, she wondered aloud what they …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Part 1: Observation We have recently adapted the style of documentation called Floorbooks: Talking and Thinking Floorbook Approach, which was created by Claire Warden to give educators a tool to consult and co-create documentation with children. This approach allows children and educators to make their thinking, theories, values and learning visible. This collaborative pedagogical approach allows educators to slow down …
We are so excited to be back in the woods with the Forest School Kinders once again! The children have begun connecting with “their” forest in so many ways and learning how to be safe in a variety of different environments and activitie
