November 27, 2009

Sara returned to us on Monday and has led the children on many merry walks through our woods. They were working with the "tornado" and watched the water fall down. They have been exploring teeter-totters (or see-saws). Such fun was had piling things on the ends of boards to see how many could make it tip.
December is coming and we will be trying to stay out as much and as long as possible. If parents could provide a sleeping bag or heavier blanket and a small pillow for their child it would be appreciated. Nothing is as cosy as linens from home. We will continue to provide and wash the sheets for the cots.
Our last day before the Winter Holiday will be Friday, December 18 and we will return for winter fun in the woods on Monday, January 4, 2010.

November 20, 2009

The weather has been lovely. Even in the misty rain we have been out having fun. Sara was away on the Friday, November 20 so Marie led the group on a trek to discover if the shelters were dry. They were! We had a lovely snack and then headed back down to the beehives. There we discovered the game of Up and Down as the the children lay down on the ground and then bounced up again and again. What fun! After lunch we played Yoga and drew pictures quietly so napping children could sleep. The parents came just as we were getting ready to go back outside. Perfect timing!

November 11 Adventure

Hi Marie, Freya and Marlene,
Since I had the day off today, I decided to spend the morning at Forest School! It was lovely. We went on a fun hike in the morning. I got to see the climbing rock, the old fashioned train (old tree), the big hill, made whistles out of horsetails, the horse trail, the beehive trail, the many little shelters, peeled bark off the birch tree and so much more. And then we met Monique and her honey and bees!!! It was a lovely morning. I kind of wanted to stay and nap in the yurt, but I didn't. One day.

Here are some pics.
xo
Susan and Griffyn.

We'd like to thank Susan for her lovely pictures and her feedback. It was a glorious day and the our little "beekeepers" certainly learned a lot about bees from Monique. Thank you everyone.

Cheers,

Marie

Sara's Post: November Theme

As our program continues to evolve from the children's wisdom and their intrinsic desire to experiment with movement. I have witnessed lately their interest in tossing and dropping objects found in nature at different heights. They also have discovered a great sense of satisfaction climbing up to hills and sliding dawn while saying: "I landed on earth!" Sara. From Camouflage, we blended into diversity, and we will be up and dawn with Gravity.
November's pedagogical theme: EXPLORING THE MEANING OF FALL AND GRAVITY. We will be deconstructing these concepts with sensory explorations, games, and much more!!!!!!

Parents are welcome to participate and to collaborate with books, ideas, skills, and by discussing these themes at home with children. Then the children can share these with the group.

Many Thanks

Well, with most things clued up and the hiring of our new staff member, Marie Cook, I'm finally at a place where I can write a final blog prior to leaving for Maternity Leave. As most of you know, the baby is due in January, but I'm really looking forward to slowing down and taking naps with little Hazel.

I want to take this moment to acknowledge the support we've recieved in the past year from parents and community members who have so graciously enrolled their children into our preschool, been patient with our growth and multiple programming changes, and sent letters and phone calls to endorse what we are now offering the West Carleton Community. I am so very grateful for the successes we've experienced, and for the opportunity to meet each family and get to know the beautiful children who roam our Forest on a daily basis. Their presence has been such a gift, a unique learning opportunity, and I thank you for entrusting us with guiding them in the natural world.

I'd like to offer my alternate email address if anyone has any questions or stories in the upcoming year: nurturemeinnature@gmail.com

Also, we had two journalists visit our preschool this past Tuesday to do a video-story for the online multi-media site called "Capital News." The story should be posted Friday of this week:
http://www.carleton.ca/Capital_News/03042009/

Wishing you all a nature-inspired year, and I look forward to seeing you all during my visits to the preschool once we've adjusted to our new addition.

Kindest, Marlene