I just spent 5 days in New York City and I took a lot of trains, as everyone does in Manhattan. I noticed so many children and families on the trains and it made me think of the journey people take each day to get places and in particular, to school. What do people leave…Continue reading →

Spring blossoms awaken our senses in every way. It is a time of beauty, energy and instils a feeling of excitement. And here at TNNS not only are the trees, flowers, birds etc coming to life but so are the children. I know it sounds corny but honestly, coming after spring break, you see the…Continue reading →

February is rich in learning opportunities. We have sent many emails about Black History Month; Valentine’s Day; Pink Shirt Day; and Family Day so I will pause the verbal dialogue and let these photos speak to each of these important celebrations. Warmly, Emily

Children have been become increasingly observant the past couple of weeks. The connections are remarkable and beautiful! They are noticing things that are similiar- “Maybe these are jelly mushrooms, like the other ones” or “I think this is the same as the tree that you like, the pussy willow tree” (we have been documenting the…Continue reading →

This week one of our families shared their beautiful tradition of celebrating Winter Solstice on December 21st. Celebrating the seasonal changes and embracing winter seems like a given in an outdoor school but like everything else, it needs intentionality and awareness. Learning and playing outside everyday intrinsically makes us more aware of the changes occuring…Continue reading →

Our team is made up of a bunch of passionate educators! Of course we are all passionate about children and anything related to Early Childhood Education. And we are also passionate about a whole lot of other things! Some of these passions stay for a long time, others are more fluid, coming and going. Right…Continue reading →

Autumn brings so many gifts- apples, beautiful leaves both on and off their branches, days of celebration including the Autumn Equinox, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Rosh Hashanah, our Family Soup Days, the planting of our Food Forest beside our garden beds and so much more. It feels like we have all sort…Continue reading →

We just love the first few weeks of school! Sure they are completely chaotic and exhausting in some ways but they are also so beautiful as we get to know one another.  During this time it is important to recognize that some children and families enter a new place with slow observation and careful consideration…Continue reading →

The past little while has been very busy for a variety of reasons and yet when we are with children it is our responsibility to push all that aside and “just be”. Being together is the foundation of all our work- together, in relationship, with one another. This piece can never be forgotten or undermined….Continue reading →

We have so many threads of inquiry right now it is becoming like an intricate spider web! The work in an emergent curriclum based school is rich and deep-the children have so many ideas and interests; and when you throw in a bunch of creative, dedicated educators, the work becomes exhilarating, complex, and at times,…Continue reading →

Celebrating Lunar New Year, hand in hand with families, was so special for all of us. Connecting family and home felt so grounding and right- we have missed these types of moments the last few years. Spending time together deepens relationship, allowing us all to gain insights into one another, which allows for greater understanding….Continue reading →

Sometimes a new year starts off slowly-moving with a peaceful vitality, a sense of hibernating like many other beings (animals, trees, plants). Other times it starts off with a burst of energy, brewing and bubbling inside and out. It seems 2023 has started off with a bit of a force! The educators and children are…Continue reading →

We knew it was coming- the rain- and we wanted it to, really we did! Being out in the pouring rain with 3-5 year olds is actually pretty easy if they have good gear. Most of the time everyone is very happy to play, explore, puddle jump and develop a relationship with water. Our educators…Continue reading →

Most of you who know me will know that I am a true foodie- I love researching food,shopping for food, preparing food, eating food and gathering people around me to share in the delight of eating together.  A nourishing meal fills you up, in so many ways. Lately our work here at TNNS is like…Continue reading →

There is a beautiful old apple tree behind our Cottage, next to the side yard, which we estimate has been growing apples for decades. We have much more to learn her but we do know we love her and want to help her grow! Over the years we have cared for the tree is small…Continue reading →