We had an exciting week at Nature School! This week, our staff spent much time dialoguing amongst each other to uncover the multiple layers of children’s thinking. Upon hearing a comment or witnessing a certain reaction or behaviour, we have been extremely diligent about making sure we do not take that one piece at face value. We…Continue reading →

Returning from winter’s break was truly a delight! It was so marvellous seeing all those adorable faces, eager for hugs and being outside. Breaks are important for all of us; I think sometimes we forget that children need them too. They work hard, really hard, each and every day. Playing and learning is hard work!…Continue reading →

A beautiful week….of friendship, exploring the outdoors and being cozy in the Cottage!                                                                                    …Continue reading →

We hosted two family evenings this week as a way to come together and celebrate the joys of the holiday season. To be in our warm, cozy, beautiful Cottage with our children and families was a dream for our team! Kate and I have spent many hours over the past couple of years discussing our…Continue reading →

Heading into the week we wondered if the cold weather would have an impact on the program. Would the children be too cold? Would we still be able to eat snack outside? How shall we stay warm? Well, it certainly did impact the program in many, many positive ways. Children played on ice, touched snow with…Continue reading →

Everywhere we turn is a learning opportunity. If children are permitted time to explore and problem solve, then learning can take place each and every moment. One area we have noticed a lot of learning is in our change pod– yes, it is indeed a little chaotic and congested at times but if one approaches…Continue reading →

In thinking about our conversations and various moments this week, it seems to me that we are all moving into a new stage in our relationships. Our children seem more comfortable- with each other, with us, and with the land. They are taking risks in all of these areas and it is a joy to see….Continue reading →

Looking back on our week,  there was not one particular day, activity or event that stands out. Our week was a series of moments, as they always are, and we educators are taking each one and finding its value. We also spend time dialoguing about how to connect these moments into meaningful learning opportunities for our children….Continue reading →

We did it! We moved! The moment we had all been waiting for arrived on Monday. The excitement was high as we all settled into our beautiful new home. There were many new routines to learn and the week was spent figuring our new systems. Children, parents and teachers supported each other through these moments…Continue reading →

When I look back on this week and some of the last week, I think what stands out the most is the children developing a sense of this land. As huge advocates of place based education, Kate and I see immense value in children knowing a place well- exploring it, learning about it, respecting it…Continue reading →

The Cottage is constantly undergoing changes, both large and small. The team is working long and hard to get the building ready for our Nature School students. This past week we began discussing the move with our children, wanting to prepare them for this approaching event.  Children adapt quite easily to change, on the most part, but…Continue reading →

We are very fortunate to have been gifted a set of outdoor building blocks which are absolutely amazing! They can withstand nature’s elements so they are perfect for Nature School. They have some weight to them so as you look through these pictures of children carrying blocks, know that they worked their muscles and co-ordination to…Continue reading →

I think we are finding our rhythm. It takes time to settle into our new lives together and this week there was a new feeling; a trust, a softness, an understanding, a commitment. It felt amazing! The week was filled with so many lovely moments– children already achieved things they did not know they could…Continue reading →

The City crews have been out in full force, clearing lots of overgrowth and creating open space. The change is quite remarkable; suddenly there are viewpoints that did not exist before and although it is hard not to miss the magical feeling one used to get while descending the driveway, it is definitely more open…Continue reading →

We had some serious gardening work to do! The area that will soon be the home for our garlic needed to be weeded. The children were hard working and when Nikolas declared himself a “farmer”, soon we had many children proclaiming they too were farmers!  They worked together very well really, considering they are all just…Continue reading →