Storytelling Ideas and Suggestions
We all understand the value of Stories. We have memories of being read to, of reading to our own children and those we work with. We have our favourite children’s books with engaging, poignant, funny stories and eye-catching, mesmerizing illustrations. We remember times when reading a story helped a sad child cheer up, or a […]
Water Play
Water can offer so many opportunities for play and learning: A puddle can become a giant ocean and children need to problem solve how to get across. A pond can encourage resourcefulness and teamwork to construct a bridge with rocks or sticks. Water can inspire forest kitchen play, becoming the perfect broth for soup or […]
Doing a Dynamic Risk Assessment
We encounter risk each day on the land. We don’t post a list of rules at the entrance to the forest that details what cannot be done, a la don’t do this, don’t do that. That approach does not fit with our belief that children are competent and capable of making smart and kind decisions. […]
Reflecting on the Forest and Nature School Approach
A couple of years ago I was moving tables with a peer after shifting them to clean up a spill. I asked them what their plan was. “Where should we put this one?” I asked. “It’s usually over here,” they responded. “Is that where we’re going to put it now?” I asked. “That’s where it […]
How we stay Safe and Kind while Playing on Ice
Playing with, on and near ice is incredibly inviting. Science and magic combine to offer a type of play that only happens outside when it’s cold- the conversion of life-giving splashy water into crystal, slippery, crunchy, slidey wondrous ice. It can feel tricky to say yes to playing on ice. If it is a pond […]
Telling Stories Together
Stories swirl around us all of the time- our own, those of our neighbours and friends, Stories from the land, the creatures, the weather. As long as we are ready to listen, the Stories come, and with them are often timely, meaningful lessons, too. I was recently remembering the process I’ve gone through in getting […]
Embracing the Wonders of Winter
A fun truth about being a Forest and Nature School Educator is that people are curious about what that means. After explaining the basics to someone, there are a few questions that reliably emerge. What about the curriculum? Do you really “just” play? What do you do when it’s cold? All of these questions have […]
Dressing for Winter and Cold
Winter is almost here! Soon we can be certain that all of the precipitation that falls will be snow (yay!) and temperatures will not only be below freezing, but possibly very cold. Along with the cold comes the need to pay special attention to how children, adults, and families who will be spending a significant […]
Being Prepared for Rainy Days at Forest School
One of the many wonders of autumn weather is cooling temperatures. The bugs retreat, the air is fresh, and the leaves start to change colour- it’s so beautiful. Along with this cooling weather comes the added challenge of being prepared for and managing rainy and puddly fall days. Rain in the summer is a delight, […]