By Carrie Komesch We know that loose parts support children in open-ended imaginative play and connection with one another. When one thinks of forest school, it’s easy to envision a pleasantly weathered mud kitchen, or a pile of wicker baskets warming in the sun, waiting to be filled with acorns and joy. But what aboutContinue reading “When a Junkyard Becomes Beautiful: What it’s like to play and teach with BIG loose parts”
Tag Archives: forest and nature school
The Creek and Emergent Science: Giving students agency to define and guide their own scientific thinking
By Carrie Komesch Water has an inherent draw to it, as a background feature on the landscape, as an acoustic presence, and as a loose part in play. But what about water as a vessel for giving children agency to define and guide their own scientific learning? Biological sampling emerged as a natural extension ofContinue reading “The Creek and Emergent Science: Giving students agency to define and guide their own scientific thinking”
Reflecting on the Forest and Nature School Approach
By Sonja Lukassen 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. Continue reading “Reflecting on the Forest and Nature School Approach”
How we stay Safe and Kind while Playing on Ice
By Sonja Lukassen 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 itContinue reading “How we stay Safe and Kind while Playing on Ice”
Telling Stories Together
By Sonja Lukassen 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 goneContinue reading “Telling Stories Together”
Dressing for Winter and Cold
By Sonja Lukassen 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 beContinue reading “Dressing for Winter and Cold”
Being Prepared for Rainy Days at Forest School
By Sonja Lukassen 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 summerContinue reading “Being Prepared for Rainy Days at Forest School”
Storytelling Ideas and Suggestions
By Sonja Lukassen 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 cheerContinue reading “Storytelling Ideas and Suggestions”
Doing a Dynamic Risk Assessment
By Sonja Lukassen 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 smartContinue reading “Doing a Dynamic Risk Assessment”