The high wind gusts kept us from the forest on Tuesday but the kinders made the best of the circumstances. We came together to talk about the change in plans and to create a new plan for our morning together. Collectively, the children opted to take a walk offsite to see what we notice and to play amongst the white …
WHY: Gardening with children can be a fun and educational activity that provides numerous benefits. Here are some reasons why gardening with children is important: Educational benefits: Gardening provides children with a hands-on learning experience about the natural world. Children can learn about plant growth and development, the role of pollinators, and the importance of soil health. Encourages healthy eating habits: …
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 …
