The Forest School Way
At Nanaimo Forest Kids, our practice is guided by a few special words; Wander, Wonder, Grow. We strive to create an environment where children can nurture a love of learning, believe in their own abilities, and develop a sense of stewardship for the natural world.
Belief #1
A Child's Natural Habitat is in Nature
We believe that children benefit from building a relationship with nature. We help foster this relationship by giving children time and space in the forest to wander, wonder and grow. We feel nature provides the optimal environment for early childhood development and the outdoor classroom provides an abundance of learning experiences, gross and fine motor challenges, open-ended materials and opportunities for imaginative play. In addition, children who spend time in nature develop a deeper sense of wonder and respect for the environment.
Belief #2
Let the Children's Curiosity Lead
As teachers, we allow the children's' innate love of learning to take the lead in our enquiries and adventures. With appropriate safety measures and guidance, children are able to pursue their individual interests, investigate the things they find and reflect on the day's adventures. In this way, they begin the life-long process of expanding on their experiences, knowledge and wisdom.
Belief #3
"Play is the Work of Children" - Piaget
At Nanimo Forest Kids, children engage in many different types of unstructured, self directed play that is guided but not dictated by an educator. The possibilities are endless but some of the activities we enjoy at Forest Kids include shelter building, nature crafts, tracking, knots and rope skills, imaginative play, leaf and flower crafts, scavenger hunts and other games, running, jumping, splashing, climbing , rolling...