Learning in and with Nature听
How incredible to think that Fanshawe and Wildwood Education staff have been offering Nature School at the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) for three years now! The听Nature School programs听provide opportunities for participants to spend time in and with nature using the principles of Forest and Nature School. These principles,听shared by staff that are trained Forest and Nature School Practitioners,听focus on providing repeated outdoor experiences that are led by the children participating, and both play and place based.听
In the fall of 2022 and spring of 2023, Child and Caregiver programs were provided at both Fanshawe Conservation Area (Owls and听Owlets) and Wildwood Conservation Area (Falcons and听Fledglings). These programs not only suit toddlers very well, as they like to explore everything, but also inspire educators and caregivers to embrace the wonder of outdoor learning. It’s always so lovely to see a child’s discovery or hear the joy of an observation, knowing that both have a purpose and connection to nature that can’t be taught! 听
Wildwood was also able to offer听a full day听drop off Eagles program, that consisted of an equal number of听home school and public school participants. Both the fall and spring听Eagles groups took to adventure and risky play听like no others before! Many participants returned session after session creating in them a comfort and sense of place where they felt grounded and able to test the boundaries a little more each time. Of course, all of this was done under the watchful eye of educators who worked hard to allow for taking thoughtful chances and making safe decisions while spending time in nature.听
New this听year, Wildwood started offering听Hawks programming on听Avon Maitland and Huron Perth听School Board Professional Development days. This was a huge success and allowed participants, who might not听otherwise have a chance to experience听Nature School, an opportunity to spend a day in nature. Participants came together for the day to play and learn about best practices for educating while spending time in nature! 听
Education staff look forward to many more years of providing听a听safe space for children to听develop a deeper positive听relationship with the natural world.听
For information on our programs visit听here.