A huge part of learning is through grounding yourself and connecting with your senses. We discover the outdoors through different perspectives (through the lens of animals, birds, bugs and even the trees themselves) and begin to think outside the box. From an educator’s point of view, this urges children to learn through exploring, letting their natural curiosities guide them. These connections ingrain passion and empowerment into their learning and fosters a positive relationship with the environment. Having such a relationship helps children extend their thinking, cultivating a mindset and attitude where they feel responsible for the well-being of the natural world.
We believe in the importance of outdoor learning because it creates opportunities for curiosities to grow. It also fosters an explorer mindset, helping us navigate our understanding through the natural world. A big question to reflect on is what does the environment mean to us? The environment shapes who we are, so why not learn from it? Walk in the Woods' perspective consistently encourages children to make connections within our environment. Child-led inquiry discussions are encouraged throughout our learning to heighten our understanding. As well as, incorporating more opportunities for hands-on learning, this way children can truly engage their senses. The impact through teaching this way compares to no other. A feeling of interconnectedness and a way of stewardship comes from learning through exploring our curiosities and allows us to bond with our environment/the natural world.
WITW Nature Ed aligns with the core values of the Reggio Emilia approach. We believe children have the best learning experiences when they take the lead. Exploring the environment hands-on nurtures confidence, decision making and sparks wonder. All while learning in an intimate group setting with open minds and hearts.
We are consistently developing an understanding of our relationship with the natural world. Through self-directed play, each child has the opportunity to explore the environment with their senses and innate curiosity.
We encourage active learning where each child follows their sense of wonder and questions what is in front of them. This allows children to experience and reflect on where their learning path has taken them each day.
WITW Nature Ed nurtures holistic open-ended play in a space where children can make discoveries about the world around them. Honouring our natural curiosities allows us to cultivate creativity, resilience and a love for nature.
Children can often learn to manage situations they find themselves in with guidance and check ins. If their play gets shut down due to close mindedness, that can lead a child to play with hesitance. Risky play happens when children can see the possibilities around them and recognize their comfort level within their choice. While teaching a child what is safe and unsafe, we also encourage how to play mindfully, giving the child a level of autonomy in their play.
Just as nature is our teacher, the outdoors is our classroom. We honour the land we are on and in WITW Nature Ed, we are learning what it means to be a steward of the environment. Ultimately, this helps children to understand their place in the natural world and how we can actively have a positive role within it.
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