Making Connections

Making connections- we all strive to make connections each moment of every day. We connect with people, with our environment and with ideas. Enjoy viewing these photos with the lens of connection. And more connections to think about… In gratitude, Emily

A Tangled Ball of Yarn

My brain is like a tangled ball of yarn. The past couple of weeks my mind has been swirling with thoughts about curriculum in large and small groups- poetry; art; buddies; introducing the deep concept of home and exploring it further; emotional engagement; student visitors from SFU; new volunteers; and offering in depth play experiences….Continue reading

Ignited!

Last week our team attended various sessions of a conference hosted by the Vancouver Reggio Association  , presented by Tizania Filipino. Wow! Tizania as been working in Reggio Emilia for over 30 years, mostly as a pedagogista. This role is multi layered and complex, acting as a mentor to educators to develop deep curriculum as well…Continue reading

A Little Peek

We have been cherishing these sunny autumn days- each day is truly a gift and we have enjoyed watching the children play freely and happily! Each day invites discovery, friendship, understanding and questioning.Please enjoy this brief snapshot of children at play the last couple of days. Best, Emily & Kate

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is always a time to reflect on our blessings, offering gratitude for all our precious gifts- family, friends, and place. This Thanksgiving was different for me as I flew out of town to see my son (who is temporarily living there), my brother and my other family in Toronto. Before I left, I was…Continue reading

Beginnings

The first week of school, even after teaching for 24 years, continues to be an emotional time. A time for new beginnings, new wishes, new commitments and reflection. As we head into our fifth year of Nature School, we have a better sense of who we are as individual educators as well as the dynamics…Continue reading

A quick glimpse…

Although many of us our sniffling and suffering from itchy eyes (thank you lovely cottonwood trees and tall grasses!) our outdoor play has been a little easier thanks to the abundant sunshine.  We have mostly shed our rain pants, and definitely the mittens!  Felt stories can be shared at circle without pieces blowing away, and…Continue reading

Wee Walk Richmond

Walking is something we do a lot at Terra Nova Nature School.  Ann Pelo, a wise and distinguished Early Childhood Educator, in her book The Goodness of Rain, encourages us to “Walk the Land” as a way of supporting children to develop an ecological identity.  Walking encourages us to slow down.  When we walk regularly we…Continue reading

Earth Day

Another busy couple of weeks at Nature School!  All of a sudden, rain and sun have colluded to turn the park and garden green! We have been using tools – wheelbarrows and trowels, shovels and rakes – in the garden.  The new rolling compost bin is up and spinning.  Outdoor loose parts such as ramps,…Continue reading

Family Cooking Day

Our Family Cooking Day, Indian Food, was everything we hoped it would be and more! The idea began brewing a long time ago, years in fact! Coincidentally, a Cobb Oven cooking idea was also something Leslie  Williams, from the Sharing Farm, had also been thinking about for a while.  Sarah Drewery, the Executive Director of the…Continue reading