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 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”
The Out to Play Walking School Bus: A reflection on the value of playful work
By Carrie Komesch The bridge crossing over the creek and subsequent sharp turns in the pathway are some of the most challenging places to maneuver the sled on the commute in or out. The Out to Play Walking School Bus is a phenomenon rooted in necessity, or at least convenience. As educators, we walk theContinue reading “The Out to Play Walking School Bus: A reflection on the value of playful work”
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”
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”
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”
The Guidelines when we Play on the Land
By Sonja Lukassen The Forest and Nature School approach is all about relationships- with each other, with the land, and with ourselves. When offering programming based on learning and connecting through play on the land, we strive to be clear about what we can do together while we play. As many educators who work withContinue reading “The Guidelines when we Play on the Land”