March has been a crazy month, and we were sad earlier in the month to have been given direction to temporarily close until further notice. This was an important measure for the health of the children and our staff members, but it won’t be forever.
For now, we are going to listen to the government’s advice on social distancing, while at the same time ensuring we continue to stay connected to the outdoor world. Simple steps such as a short walk around the neighbourhood or exploring our own backyard will help satisfy our passion for nature.
Familiar routines and rhythms
Did you know that our teachers and children participate in a morning gathering circle every day? We use these gathering times to practice some of the Core Routines of Nature Education and create a sense of belonging for everyone. We have created a little video for you to share with your children and allow some familiar routine and rhythms for them.
Some of our Discovery teachers demonstrate the morning gratitude circle that the toddlers participate in every morning. Feel free to try this with your children every day! They can pick the different things they are grateful for. Focussing on positive messages and what we are grateful for can help children (and adults) navigate in these uncertain times.
Spring is in the air!
We miss you. Happy first day of Spring!
Chris and I went on a walk through our forest this morning and we wanted to share the pictures with you. I have made comments on all of the pictures for your families to read to you. Please write back to me too!
The forest was alive with bird sounds this morning. What do you remember hearing in the forest the last time we were there? Try to remember how it sounded, what it looked like, how it felt. Maybe you could draw a picture of something you remember, or maybe even try mapping what you remember! I’d love to see it.
Chelsa, Angie, Lisa and I all miss you and can’t wait to see you again soon.
Karen
Let’s stay connected to the outdoors
We are thinking about ways that we can still connect to the outdoors while we are being ordered to stay inside!
One of the ways in which we connect to the land is engaging all of our senses. We have a scavenger hunt that we have shared with the children to make this a playful experience. We wonder how many items you can tick off on this fun adventure hunt within your own backyards and balconies.
Happy Hunting!
A message from…
Hannah
In the weeks before we closed down the centre I was fortunate enough to begin a project I had been eager to start with the children.
I could see signs of spring and more daylight in the classrooms, so it was time to start planting indoors. All the children were keen to be involved once they had seen the first few pots and saw the compost bag. They chose between a selection of vegetables and flower seeds.
The classroom fairy gave even more excitement when she brought gifts of seed and gardening related books for the children to share. However, sadly before we could witness the germination of our seeds we had to close. I moved the pots upstairs to get more warmth and light and they are now in Karen’s care so look out for updates of growing!
Gardening is such a great educational and fun activity with children. I encourage everyone with a garden or space for pots to get some soil and seeds and try planting, as there is now plenty of time at home to watch things grow and learn together, make the most of it and you could even have free home grown food.
Angie
Hello Friends!
I miss you so much, I hope you are enjoying your time with your families! I went outside today, and what a transformation!! I wonder what you notice about today, that is different than yesterday? In your own backyards, use your observation skills and look way up and down low.
What do you see? Hear? Smell? Feel? I wonder why today is so different than yesterday? Write or draw about your discoveries outside, and we can share our observations when we are back together!
Angie
Jess
Hello Discovery Families! Jess here. I miss you all so much! I have been going on nature walks every day and being outside makes me think of you all.
In the eco trail near my house I have seen lots of woodpeckers, mallards, geese, and even some beavers! They are really hard to take pictures of but I’ll keep trying. I have been practicing the ukulele and am going to post some videos of some of our favourite songs such as: Mr. Moon, When I rise, and Country Roads. Are you all still loving our favourite David Bowie song?
I miss you all so much and wonder what you are up to. I look forward to being together again and spending our days laughing, investigating, learning, and exploring
P.S. The classroom fairy has started coming to my house to leave surprises for us! Stay tuned to see what she has brought.
Samantha
Hi friends!
I hope you all are enjoying this time at home with your families! What are you doing to keep busy? I went for a walk today and spotted some tracks, do you know who’s tracks they might be?
It’s so interesting to see as spring is approaching what new things we will be able to spot in our environments, and what animals will be coming out to play as well. I miss you all and can’t wait to see you when we are able to come back to Discovery!
Sam
Angela
Hello everyone! I hope you are all staying safe and enjoying time with your families. As I was cleaning out one of my drawers I found some vegetable seeds that I thought I could start to plant indoors to keep in our sunny window, just like the ones we started in our Preschool classroom.
I found a recyclable coffee container and added some soil and seeds into it! Have you done any planting while you’ve been at home? Have you seen any plants in your front or backyard, or on any walks? I wonder how the plants with new buds growing are feeling about the snow!
I hope to see you all soon! Take care!
Angela
We hope that all your families are staying safe and healthy. If you want some tips on staying connected to the outdoors, while remaining safe and healthy over the next month please contact us today. Alternatively, stay updated and watch videos on our Facebook page.