This outdoor program offers the  whimsy  and wonder of forest school balanced with growth and development opportunities from structured, sensory learning experiences. This program includes daily art classes and hands-on science lessons (i.e.,experiments, construction projections,bushcraft). 

 

Character education is a fundamental component; we teach kindness, gratitude, compassion, mentorship and the value of healthy friendships.

 

Overview of the day:

 

-morning stretches and mindful movements 

 

-all inclusive all-ages group games & team building activities 

 

-'Conversation Corner' a segment where older children learn the art of holding conversations and practise speaking and active listening skills with peers

 

-whole group and 1:1 opportunities for meaningful discussions

 

- campfire rhythm and music expression using instruments, hand clapping, and song

 

-read alouds and literary discussions 

 

-exploration and freedom to explore our Messy Materials area, the creek, the mud kitchen and the playground 

 

-art classes where children explore their artistic expression in nature while using mixed media, under the guidance and expertise of our art teacher

 

-messy exploration of science concepts in our mud kitchen

 

-construction lessons and opportunities 

-bushcraft

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-quiet contemplation in nature journals

 

-leadership and mentorship opportunities

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More Detail:

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Children start the day getting energized with our morning movement and mindfulness routine. Our opening circle is filled with laughter, stories, open-discussions, curated conversations, singing, and team-bonding activities and whole group games. At HHNIS each activity, story, song, craft and activity is carefully curated to deepen learning and strengthen the connection between the children and with nature.

 

Children’s imaginations are piqued during art-hour. Each child will choose the tree easel they wish to work at and each week, will deepen their mindfulness and senses with exploration of techniques, media and expression. 

 

After lunch, children enjoy unstructured free time in our Messy Materials area, the creek, the mud kitchen and the playground located in the Fox's Den.

 

During our science segment, children get the opportunity to see with their eyes and their hands when they conduct fun and messy experiments in our mud kitchen. They will engage with the scientific method. Children will participate in construction activities -creating a plan, following through on it and using tools with the guidance of our educators. Children will also develop cooperative and independent skill sets as they learn through bushcraft.

 

Our time is wrapped up in quiet contemplation as children document their observations and feelings in a nature journal and then gather around the fire to share in a closing gratitude circle and discuss the day’s guiding questions.