We love being together. Each and every day. This does not mean that it is always easy. In fact, it can be quite challenging. Getting along with others is hard work! It takes effort; patience, maturity, understanding, compassion, empathy, forgiveness, generosity,listening, talking, sharing. Each day when we come together at Nature School, we see children working hard…Continue reading →

We invite you to look through these photos with a new lens. The photos are quite ordinary really but in each one you can see a relationship. Relationships are typically thought of as with people but here at Nature School we are also very interested in relationships with other things; so you will see some…Continue reading →

This week we observed: children smiling at each other children reaching out to lend a hand big buddies caring for our preschoolers children making cards for their families a child losing a bean and another child giving them a bean from their own pod children changing quickly and then helping those who still needed help getting their…Continue reading →

We had a very fun week, filled with some new discoveries and nuances. After our staff meeting last week, we decided to break out into smaller groups several times per week. Each group explored areas and topics that were of interest to them and important for their stage of development. Throughout the week, each group of children…Continue reading →

It was a special week here at Nature School–we had our first parent meeting! This was not a parent meeting about housekeeping details, registration, or clothing. This meeting was about coming together to discuss education: our thoughts, hopes and dreams, our concerns, our vision. Adhering to our beliefs and core values, we invited parents to…Continue reading →

This week was one of building confidence– within ourselves, in others and the world around us. Children worked at trusting themselves whether it be physically or emotionally; they put trust in their teachers, their buddies and in the landscape. The Owls spent a lot of time testing their physical boundaries and the Eagles devoted time to…Continue reading →

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 →