Carp Ridge Forest Preschool

2011-05-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

MOTHER NATURE PROVOCATIONS
WINTER

By Sara Rocio Raeesi-Gujani

WOW! We definitely had a very cold but wonderful and enjoyable winter in the woods.
Following up with the four weeks of adventure in the creek how the Forest Preschool children planned and invented the snow designs and snow mobiles activity?

The activity: Snow designs and Snow Mobiles

A- Details of the planning of the activity

WHY:
1- We engaged in co-reflection with the children to find out other possibilities they will like to discover and explore: What other languages they will like to include and what other inquiries they will like to pursue in their quest to continue their exploration of the creek.
2- After debriefing with the children about how much fun we have had in the creek, how many types of play we have done, and how many changes we have observed in the creek since December. I encouraged the children to think about what other play we can create and if there is anything else we will like to investigate about the creek.
3- The children insisted they will like to continue to play in the creek, they suggested the idea of adding colour to it. They pointed out the creek will be more beautiful if we add paint. They recommended colour will be like decorating the creek. They add that perhaps we can add paint to the side where there is still a lot of snow. They also suggested that we can celebrate “Winter Lude” in the creek.
4- After all these ideas the children concluded that the best plan is to first add paint to the snow. [They question how we can keep a piece of snow with colour? And can we take it home?]

B- The implementation of the activity

WHAT:
1- After deciding to use various paint colours to paint on the snow
2- We started to pack the materials in our basket: the paint, all sorts of brushes, paint rolls, pipets, small towels, and a bottle with water. The children also added hand shovels just in case they will like to cut pieces of snow.
3- We head to the creek and after sliding, laughing, and wonder about the changes of the creek, the children decided to head to the waiting tree to play with the paint there. We sat in a semicircle and started to unpack our basket.
4- We poured the paint in ice cube makers and decided what colours we like best.
5- Then each child selected a space to create with colour paint on the snow.

HOW:
1- Each child started to use the paint in various forms along with brushes, paint rolls, and pipets.
2- They covered the snow surface with beautiful paint designs.
3- Then some children decided to carve around particular colours. They carved because the snow was frozen. It was perfect because a shape can be taken from the ground.
4- The children started to wonder how they can keep the piece of the snow. Can they take it home? Can they hang the snow pieces in the trees [so no one can touch it?]
5- How can it be possible? I asked.
6- The children suggested opening holes and passing a string through it.
7- Some children created beautiful snow mobiles.
8- Other children decided to add paint to the snow and create beautiful designs
9- Still they insisted they will like to take the snow mobile with them
10- Some took it in a container but by the afternoon the snow mobile was melted. They witnessed how the piece of snow changed in size until it became coloured water.
11- The next day some other children were curious about the snow mobiles on the trees. They started the same process again until the weather was too cold for snow mobile making.
12- They insisted they will like to continue with the project of decorating the trees of the forest. It will be like Christmas in winter says G.

January 2011

2011-01-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

MOTHER NATURE PROVOCATIONS
JANUARY 2011
By Sara Rocio Raeesi-Gujani

Wow! Happy New Year! Cheers! And Best Wishes for all of us, health, prosperity, peace, and lots of love for Mother Earth! 2010 had been definitely awesome at the Forest Preschool. The children have had the opportunity to experience and observe the rhythms and changes of the Forest and themselves. We had great volunteers and have welcomed brave new explorers while waving good-bye to others. We traveled across the Forest and across the World; we have discovered new places and have given names to them. We have laughed, joked, discovered, and encountered great weather challenges: Summer in Spring and Winter in Fall. Most importantly was the enjoyment and sense of wonder that was present in every moment. As the year progressed, the children were always interested in new adventures. For example: in December, inspired from the leafless trees, evergreen trees, and from the season celebrations, the children's imagination sparked a new adventure. They decided to celebrate 'Christmas in the Forest'. What fun we had. As another example, the creek has been an important source of inspiration for the children during the year. In light of the magical disappearance, appearance, and transformation of the water during the year, I decided to briefly describe and share our adventures of four weeks of play in the creek.

Week One: November 22-29 The water: The creek's water flow

This week the water flow of the creek has increased and there were many leaves on it. As we sat down and observed the creek, the children commented that they have waited since July to see and hear the water. They were disappointed to see the creek full of leaves. Some children said:
L:"Poor creek cannot move nicely"
C: "Cannot breathe", "it is contaminated with leaves",
G: "We cannot walk, splash, or play on it",
E: "We cannot hear the sounds of the creek".
I encouraged the children to think about how we can solve the problem? How to clear the leaves from the water? How to accomplish such an endeavour?
After discussing all different types of materials that possibly will help to take the leaves out of the creek, the children concluded that is better to find something from nature which will help to clear the leaves from the water.
The children first decided to find all sorts of sticks so they can clear the leaves from the water. They tried long sticks, short sticks, not too short and too long sticks; even they tried upside down 'Y' sticks. The best they said were the medium size: not too short or too long, just the ones we can hold in our small hands. After they reached such a great conclusion, the children were all set and ready to start their project: 'the cleaning of the creek'. As the leaves were placed at both side of the shore the water flow increased and new challenges raised. Bridges [mini] were build, dens were done, the water play started, and after the hard work every day we held tree trunks and stretched our bodies, rested our backs flat on the ground thinking how nice is to see the clear water. Most importantly we thought about how beautiful it is to hear the creek’s water flow. While looking up high to the sky we saw Canadian geese flying overhead and making a 'V'. We concluded: The V is the half of the W, two ‘V’s creating a W, and the word WATER starts with the letter W.

Week Two: November 30- December 3 The water: From Liquid to Solid, Surprise!!!!!

This week we had frost and temperatures were in the -5 to-10 range. Surprisingly, after the hard work done last week on clearing the leaves from the water on the creek, the water magically has transformed from liquid to solid.
"There is ice on the creek!! Sara!" They exclaimed.
As the children walked up and down the frozen stream, they observed the ice broke when I walked on it. They asked why the ice did not break when they walked. Some children answered:
G: "Because she is an adult"
C, L, and E: "She weighs more than us".
G: "Yes because she is bigger than us."I encouraged the children to touch the ice and to press a bit hard to see what happened.
Some children very creatively started to dig on the ice with sticks; others traced shapes, figures, lines, and created beautiful designs on the ice. Some touched the ice and pressed down till the ice broke. Others discovered the ice was very soft and it breaks easily. The children, [one by one] started to jump up and down. Then, suddenly, everybody decides to jump, run, and break the ice in many possible shapes. The children called themselves 'the ice-breakers'. Once there were lots of large and small pieces of ice they decided to use these pieces to build houses on the creek’s shore.
The children also decided to move to another part of the creek where there was a mini-pond. There, the children used garden shovels and cut various shapes: triangles, squares, half circles, and any shape they could make and tossed into the already broken ice spot of the mini-pond. Some children tossed the ice and others jumped on it to smash the shapes they tossed in. Once the ice and water were mixed they said: "Sara we made ice-smoothie".
Also, in another part of the creek the children tried to "skate" without breaking the ice but it was impossible the ice had become very soft and it was easy to break. And the ice again was perfect to play and the 'ice breakers' game started again.

Week Three: December 6-11 The ice: From soft breakable to hard slippery

This week's temperature dropped to -20 and the children could not wait to see the changes in the creek. As the children fast approached the creek, they screamed: "The creek has become ice and now we can skate" The children challenged themselves to walk and move their bodies on the icy, slippery surface: they walked slowly with hands extended, they crawled under small branches, they skated without skates, they laughed, took breaks, rested, and insisted they must play in the creek. With all that practice of body movement in the icy creek, the children now have a new challenge. They insisted they must move up and down on the ice slide [former water fall (small one)].
Now, that the children are conscious of the slippery surface, they started slowly by gently sitting down to slide. After landing with enjoyment and laugher they worked to solve the problem of how to return to the starting point? Some got out of the creek and walked around, others walked half way around the creek and held from tree trunks, one child decided to crawl up and challenge the ice. After many attempts and much laughter, all the children safely succeeded in their quest to reach the top of the icy slide. Now the children created another challenge: they lie down on their backs and slide down with their whole body flat on the ice surface. They asked me to sit in the middle of the fall just in case they needed help. All children landed smoothly with excitement, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment.
Lastly, the five children started to practice to move up the icy slide again. With a bit of help they accomplished the mission to move up and down the icy stream.
"We did it Sara!!" They remarked.

Week four: December 13-17 The ice: From hard slippery to layered surface.

This week's temperature has risen from the -20's to -10 and there had been snow fall during the night. The creek has been transformed from hard slippery to layered surface. While the children walked along the creek, they have noticed various cracks along it. Without hesitation the preschoolers [3-5 years of age] have used their shovels and their imagination to "repair" the creek. As the snow falls into the holes of open water, we noticed a magical transformation.
I invited the children to think about: What happen when the snow falls in the water? Where does the white of the snow go? Why did this happen? As the children repeat the process of adding [shovelling] snow, I invited them to pause and see what happens. As all the children stopped and looked, we slowly used our feet to add snow to the water. They noticed the snow change colour when it gets wet and that the white disappears as soon as it is in contact with the water. One of the senior preschoolers said:
L: "The water is transparent and its colour is grey and when we add the snow, the snow becomes grey and that is how the colour grey is created”
E: "We can see our faces in the water is why the water is grey". Another child said:
G: "No it is not grey; it is transparent because we can see the sand and rocks"
L: "But it is grey because the snow becomes grey"
W: "Let's go guys, let's repair the creek".

As all continued to shovel till the hole was full of snow, the children decided to do a test and jump to see if the hole was solid but as they jumped and tried to pack the snow, it was not solid. The snow was very soft and watery. I did encourage the children to think about why the snow is not solid and strong enough.
As we moved to another hole, I invited the children to feel the water and the snow and to tell which one is warmer. The children noticed the water is warmer than the snow. I said:
S: "If the water is warmer", what happen when the snow [which is cooler] fall on it? I asked.
"The snow melts!" the children exclaimed.
The creek has been a source of inspiration for the children’s play. The creek invites them to think, play, wonder, inquire, laugh, take risks, negotiate, and learn. This process is a visible learning about how much joy, wonder, and inquiry are taking place. The children seem totally immersed in the process. I notice we, both [the children and I] feel totally in the ‘flow’.

How does it feel to be in “the flow?”
1- Completely involved, focused, and concentrating-with this either due to innate curiosity or as the result of training.
2- Sense of ecstasy- of being outside everyday reality.
3- Great inner clarity-knowing what needs to be done and how well it is going
4- Knowing the activity is doable- that is the skills are adequate, and neither anxious nor bored.
5- Sense of serenity- no worries about self, feeling of growing beyond the boundaries of ego-afterwards feeling of transcending ego in ways not thought possible.
6- Timeless- thoroughly focused on present, don’t notice time passing
7- Intrinsic motivation-whatever produces “flow” becomes its own reward

Sidney, March 17, 1999 Public Lecture by professor Csikszentmihalyi

During January we will continue to investigate the amazing transformations of the water in the creek. We also will investigate the meaning of hibernation, will have a hibernation celebration, and will greet hibernation every day with the game: HI! BERNATE.

Have a lovely year! New beginning! New journey! Let's celebrate! Cheers!
Great start for January
Love for February
Peace for March
No worries for April
Fun for May
Joy for June to November
Happiness for December
Author: unknown
Have a wonderful 2011 - International Year of the Forests - as declared by the UN

Forest Preschool in the News

2010-12-16T12:02:00.000-08:00

Season's Greetings, Everyone!

Below is a link to a recent TV spot with Marlene and some of our Senior Preschoolers. Share and enjoy!

http://www.tvcogeco.com/renfrew/gallery/tvcogeco-news/2754-tvcnews-2010/31165-forest-preschool

MOTHER NATURE'S AUTUMN PROVOCATIONS

2010-11-12T06:57:00.000-08:00

By Sara Rocio Raeesi-Gujani

Wow! In light of the disappearance of the colour from the woods, the children are asking: How hot is below zero? And where the colour of the leaves has gone?
“They become treasures!” answered the Lion.
The last Friday of October the Forest Preschoolers very creatively dressed up and started their daily voyage into the woods. They were the Wizard, the Lion, the Lady with the Cat in the Hat, and all the Wild Little People from the woods. They only wished for the magical transformation of the colour of the leaves into sweet treasures!
“Let's go for a sweet treasure hunt!” suggested the Wizard. All went off with a map in their hand and with the desire to explore and conquer candy land. After climbing trees, crossing ponds, creeks, going through the milkweed fields and entering caves and shelters, they emerged from the big great forest with pinecones, acorns, all sort of sticks, rocks, dry grasses, leaves, and pockets empty of sweets.
They were very persistent! As successful and brave explorers always do: They very decisively changed their route. This time, with map and compass in hand, they headed north, crossed a small path and entered a glass garden, from there; they spotted a rabbit and a wooden house with a big green door and a golden knob. They opened, entered and closed the door very quietly. “Which way should we go; around the corner or down the stairs?” they asked softly. The Lady with the Cat in the Hat took charge.
“Let's go down the stairs!” she said. Once down there, they turned right and entered a wavy tunnel. There, they saw no one but only white doors and empty entrances. As they quietly but happily moved on, they saw a big great room at the end. They couldn't go around it. They couldn't go under it. They couldn't go over it. There was no way they could climb it either!
“What we should do?” the Wizard softly whispered.
“We must go through!” commanded the Lady with the Cat in the Hat. In the blink of the eye all Forest Preschoolers found themselves in front of three great people. And immediately, took possession of their attention!
“Surprise! Trick or treat!” they happily exclaimed. Despite their efforts and their strategy, there were no sweets to be found yet. With great disappointment, they were each given small pieces of precious mineral [mica]. In their quest for sweet treasure, they set off Good Will Hunting to the next door. There they found, not sweets at all, but instead, very kindly and softly, they were offered two animal cookies each!

NOVEMBER'S INVESTIGATIONS
Peter and the Wolf- November Celebrations- Children's National Day

November is already full of wonder and excitement!
This month there are various themes to explore and investigate. It is also a month of celebration and reflection. November investigations will include the study of themes from the musical tale: Peter and the Wolf by the Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. The story will be told using various mediums: reading aloud, storytelling, and character representation. Various topics of interest will be discussed: friendship, cooperation, team work, and animal rights. We will investigate the life of the wolf. Through games we will recreate how wolves survive and how they communicate. We will deconstruct the meaning of hunting, predator and prey. The concept of food chain and food webs will be introduced. Musical instruments identification activities will be included.
There will be plenty of activities related to November Celebrations in Canada and around the World. For example: on November 11 we will be discussing the meaning of peace and will be joining the Clinic's team at 11:00 AM to celebrate Remembrance Day. There will be also special activities to celebrate Children's National day [November the 12]. We will be reading a children's book about children's rights and will be creating and recreating the children's rights through various art mediums. Overall, there are a variety of activities for all the children: juniors and seniors.
Specific activities are posted in the bulletin board. Parents are welcome to participate and collaborate with materials, resources, ideas, and skills. Please join us in our Good Will Hunting!

Autumn Mother Nature Provocations

2010-10-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

By Sara Rocio Raeesi-Gujani

Wow! Green has disappeared in the woods and the light has reflected a rainbow of colours back into our eyes!

All Change in the Mystery Woods

All Change in the Mystery woods: it was misty morning in the mystery woods.
The Fog hugged the trees and the tree tops disappeared absorbing all noise.
So, no sound could be heard:
No rustling leaves or cracking branches, even the birds were quiet.
Everything was still and peaceful, everything looks like a photograph.
Then, in a flash! The silent was shattered by a huge bang!!
What was happening?

(Author: unknown)

Suddenly, everything was in motion: Summer was gone! Cold days began, colour appeared in the woods, leaves started to fall, and a magical force brought everything and everyone at the Forest Preschool down to Earth.

OCTOBER PEDAGOGICAL THEME:

Celebrating Bio-Cultural Diversity

All Colours of the Earth by Sheila Hamanaka invited the children to start to explore and investigate: Why the colours of the earth reflect the colours of the world?

We will start by exploring the colours of the forest and the meaning of the season. We will discuss why the leaves change colours. Then, we will explore with light and shadow play. We will study camouflage, markings, and will discuss how these might help animals survive in the wild. Further we will investigate Carp Ridge natural resources and will identify some. For example: animals, rocks, minerals, edible, medicinal, and poisonous plants. We also will be investigating the variety of construction materials used in Carp Ridge buildings.
Most importantly we will be sharing our cultural roots and/or our experiences traveling to other cities, towns, and, countries. We will investigate the meaning of our names. We will study the cultural and linguistic diversity at Carp Ridge and the diversity of food prepared in our kitchen. The children will visit the kitchen and have snack and a conversation with Cindy about food and how she decides our meals. We also will be harvesting some vegetables in our garden.
Finally, we will discuss our favourite music and will explore music and variety music instruments. We will be making musical instruments using materials found in nature.
Parents are encouraged to participate and to share ideas and materials. For example, families can create a family picture book and a family tree (add stories and the name of places visited). We can share resources (world maps, musical instruments, postcards) and any other materials related to our October celebration. For details on specific activities please visit our bulletin board and our book and resource display.

Happy Bio-Cultural Diversity Celebration!

I will back on Tuesday October 26.

Cindy's Split Pea Soup

2010-10-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

Here is another delectable recipe from our kitchen. We leave out the "herbe de provence" and remove the bay leaf before we puree. Enjoy.

3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 clove of minced garlic
2 ribs celery, finely diced
1 1/2 cups yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp "herbe de provence"
1 bay leaf

Heat oil on medium-low heat. Add onions, garlic and celery and gently saute for about 5 minutes. Add split peas and saute for another 5 minutes. Add "herbe de provence", bay leaf and water. Simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes or until peas are tender. Add more water if a thinner broth is desired. Remove bay leaf, then puree with an immersion blender. Season to taste with "herbamare" or sea salt, and pepper (if desired).

Note: Cindy likes to add one or two chopped, cooked carrots after the soup is pureed.

Cindy's Slow Cooker Vegetable Chili Recipe

2010-10-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here is one of our favourite recipes. Cindy leaves out some of the peppers as that would be too hot for the children.

Ingredients:
1 can (11ounce) condensed black bean soup or canned black beans in juice
1 can (15 ounce) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounce) garbanzo beans, draned and rinsed (lentils is an option)
1 can (16 ounce) vegetarian baked beans
1 can (14.5 ounce) chopped tomato puree or 1 can (29 ounce) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 ounce) drained, whole kernel corn
1 chopped onion
1 chopped green bell pepper
2 chopped zucchini
2 chopped celery stalks
2 chopped garlic cloves
1 can (4 ounce) diced chilies (optional)
1 - 2 chopped jalapenos (how much heat is preferred)
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon cilantro (optional)

Directions:
1 - In a suacepan, saute the onion, bell ppepper, zucchini, and celery for about five minutes.
2 - In a slow cooker, combine black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, baked beans, tomatoes, corn, and the ingredients from step 1.
3 - Season with garlic, chili powder, cumin, parsley, oregano, basil and the optional cilantro.
4 - Cook for about 6 hours on low.
5 - Serve with totillas, cornbread, rice or French bread.
6 - Enjoy!
7 - This freezes well.
8 - Leftovers are good on top of nachos.

July and August Provocations

2010-09-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

MOTHER NATURE PROVOCATIONS

by Sara Rocio Raeesi-Gujani

Wow! Summer fever at the Forest Preschool has been and still continues to be in full swing!
The underbrush and the hot and dry weather have inspired us to travel along paths and trails and underneath the shadows of leaves and woods. It has also led us to discover new sites at Carp Ridge: the Rain Forest, the Yellow Diamond Trail, the Cabin in the Woods, the Rock Caves, the Fallen Tree Caves, and the White Arch. The children decided to give space and not to intrude in the Deer House, the Turkey Nest, and the Porcupine House. The children also decided to not go often and follow up with the construction of the Cabin in the Woods, because they have found no significant changes lately. What they have been curious about since early July is the Mystery of the Disappearance of the Water of the Creek. They wished for a magical force or power to bring the water back. This mystery, has led us to discover, inquire, and become resourceful in finding water, plants, and resources for survival while exploring in the wilderness. Indeed wilderness survival skills and awareness will continue to be core in our daily programming.

JULY PEDAGOGICAL THEME:

Water Habitats and Dessert Weather- Wilderness Survival Skills

The hot and dry July weather, plus the magical disappearance of the water in the creek has provoked the children to investigate the importance of the sun and water. They inquired about: What would happen if we don't have water? What would happen if the sun disappears? How can we survive without sun or water? Can you imagine the dessert weather and sand storms? How is it possible to live in the dessert? Is it possible to find water in there?
The children interest for Water and the Life in it has been a daily endeavour. We searched for water everywhere! We dug in the creek and found a precious treasure: sand! The investigation further led us to question: How deep must we need to dig to find water? How are the wells made? What tools do we need to dig and create wells? The children ideas created a story about how the water was created long ago. We went for a pond and stream safari and found a water spider, diving beetles, and various water bugs. In our wet lands detective games we did not find any frogs or ducks.
Other activities included: reading stories and books about dessert habitat, marine life and sea shore life [we learned that sea shells are shelters too]. We played the following games: Guess who I am? (a turtle, a crab, a shark, a starfish or a whale); the Wild Little People of the Wet Forest; Hide and Seek; Who are You; What is Special about You? We practiced “no sound” walks and “no sound” rests. Our tracking skills, led us to find turkey, porcupine, and deer scat. We built dessert shelters, found treasures inside apples and golden rod seeds, and explored various types of fungi. We created nature frames, adorned talking sticks, made tickle sticks, crowns, bracelets, and rainbows. We built structures with large sticks and in it we wove dry leaves, flowers, excavated natural streams, and camouflaged animal's traps around it.
July was absolutely dry and we could not make our mini-ponds. Thanks to Mother Nature, at least we found morning dew! We recreated the formation of lakes, rivers, and creeks. We practiced how to collect water from plants. We made a transpiration bag and a vegetable bag. The children found it magical! We will study and explore the world of plants in August.

AUGUST PEDAGOGICAL THEME:

Plant Explorations and the World of Botany-Wilderness Survival Skills

Trees, plants, flowers, fruits, leaves, seeds, twigs, bark, and grasses became a source of inspiration to inquire, investigate, identify and create. The children's plant source collection became a source of offerings for giving thanks any time we needed to take something from the forest floor or directly from the tree or plant. The children practiced to first stop, pause, and quietly ask permission of the tree or plant, then to present an offering (something from their collections). Then they waited to finally and gently take the part of the plant they wished to examine; promising they would give it back to Nature. As a result, the children soon realized how important it is to both ask permission to use others’ belongings but to also ask Mother Earth’s permission before borrowing her gifts. This practice has encouraged the children to develop a deeper awareness and connection with Nature.
Aside from giving thanks and honouring Mother Nature’s gifts, the children enjoyed exploring texture, dimension, colour, size, and fragrance of plants and trees. Other activities included tree, grass, leave, seed, twig, edible, and poison plants identification such poison ivy and doll’s eyes. The children initiated treasure hunts, a forest safari, and wild hikes. The Spider Ropes became a pirate's ship and we sailed across the forest in the quest for a golden treasure. The high winds and waves forced us to stop for a rainbow ice-cream, explosions of love, and a water break. We built tropical and jungle A-Frame shelters, made fern hats, created natural stamps using flower and leaf dyes, tasted red clover, and explored the plants and life in the pond. The world of botany and plant explorations will continue to inform our daily program. For specific details on this theme, which continues until September 3rd, please check the bulletin board.

Lately the children have been inspired and curious about the concept of the Four Elements of the Earth: Water, Soil, Air, and Fire. It has been a part of our daily routine to go round on walks around the Earth Circle located near the Vegetable Garden and to stop for a bit of water play and make floating letters. In September we will attempt to deconstruct the meaning of the Earth's Four Elements.

Mother Nature Provocations

2010-06-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

By Sara Rocio Raeesi-Gujani

SPRING PEDAGOGICAL THEMES

Wow! Where the time has gone? How much have we done since the last blog entry?
We have certainly been busy laughing, singing, playing, exploring, walking and talking in the woods, investigating and discussing weather changes, and questioning why we have summer in spring. We definitely have been enjoying the hot weather and are well prepared for it with hats, sun block, bug-spray, net jackets, and mosquitoes-nets.
We are definitely ready for an insect safari!

June’s Pedagogical theme: ALL ABOUT INSECTS

The children have started to investigate bugs and mosquitoes. They have been very interested in looking at them through the magnifying glass, counting how many legs they have, and inquiring about how fast or slowly they move and why? What kind of food they eat? Where do they live? And how do they grow? We will attempt to answer these questions in our June explorations.
We will investigate the fabulous life and world of insects. We will study early insects and fossils, insects babies (all shapes and sizes), the grasshopper family, the dragonflies, the walking sticks, the flies, the beetles, the true bugs, the “social insects” (ants, bees and wasps, and the termites), moths and butterflies, and many others. We will expand the concept of metamorphosis, and will discuss the relationship among insects and plants and insects and humans. We will be using Mother Nature’s gifts such leaves, sticks, and rocks to recreate dragonflies, butterflies, and ladybugs. We will be catching some insects and will recreate insect scavenger hunts, and insect parades. We will “boogie-woogie” with bugs and puzzles, arts, crafts, reading aloud, rhyming, and will have some riddle fun.
Please join the children and me for a successful insect safari! Parents are welcome to share talents, resources, and ideas. Please discuss and expand the fabulous life of insects with the children. Good luck!

May’s Pedagogical theme: THE ENCHANTED FOREST

Wow! Everything is growing and changing. Spring has sprung and May is in full bloom!
The children have been inquiring about Mother Nature’s transformations. Why do the apple trees have flowers instead of apples? How it is possible that some flowers will become fruits? How do caterpillars become butterflies? Where are the forest baby animals? Why do the baby frogs have tails? Are moths butterflies? This month we will investigate the Forest Preschool magical transformations.
We will explore the following changes: from babyhood to adulthood, from seed to plant, from flower to fruit, from caterpillar to butterfly, and from tadpole to frog. We are deconstructing the meaning of growing, changing, and transformation with games such a new version of “camouflage!!”, “hide and seek”, “I was a ... and now I am...”, and “mother nature calls” where all of us will transform magically into a tree, the fire, the wind, a red squirrel, a flower, rocket ships, fire engines, ferries, and even cocoons, and magic frogs.
The children will be introduced to the concept of metamorphosis. We will investigate and act out how caterpillars build their cocoons and become butterflies and how tadpoles lose their tails. We will search for butterflies and their habitats and attempt to observe tadpoles and to catch some frogs. There will be plenty of activities such art, creative movement, finger games, reading aloud, flower identification, and much more magic and wonder in the enchanted forest.
Please join me and the children for a wonderful spring bloom to honour Mother Nature’s gifts. Parents are welcome to share talents, resources, and ideas. I am inviting you to discuss and expand these themes at home with your offspring. Happy spring!! I will see you soon in the woods.

April’s Pedagogical theme: SPRING IS IN THE AIR

Wow! Where the time has gone? To share with you: Scientists have confirmed that 2010 had only eleven months, three hundred and thirty five days, less minutes and seconds so our calendar will jump from March to June. Great!! Oh! Well, the end of the Mayan calendar is approaching and I guess we are time-less! Hurrah! Are you ready for the big bang? Yes, I am listening for it, too. I hope you had a happy April fool’s day!!!
The forest was full of jokes, wonder, and laughter on April the first. We joked about anything possible you can imagine. While taking a joke break, seriously, we were reviewing the days of the week, the months of the year and talking about the weather and seasons.
The children were chanting: “There are four seasons a year! There are four seasons a year; Winter, Summer, Fall, and Winter”.
I did ask: “What about spring? Where is spring?”
ET said, “In the air!”
All chanted: “Spring is in the air! Spring is in the air!!” [All of us burst out in laughter again]
Seriously, the children concluded Spring is only in the air because it is very cold, the snow has melted, nothing has grown yet, the birds are singing, the woodpecker is building, and geese are migrating, making a V in the air.
March explorations evolved from spring weather provocations. By looking high up in the sky we discovered various types of clouds: fluffy (cumulus) can be found in any part of the atmosphere, dark (cumulonimbus) will bring thunderstorms, blankets (stratus) are flat and really look like blankets, and wispy (cirrus) are thin and very high.
We explored and searched habitats underneath logs, fallen trees, rocks, and underground. We found a variety of insects, spiders, and scaly creatures with more legs that we can count, and celebrated Earth Day with the game: Can you spy garbage in the forest?
April was full of fun activities: bird sounds and wood pecker mapping, building nests, floating boats and fixing the old rocket ship by the creek, spring bug safari, chalk and coal art, rock climbing, and wild flower and tree identification. We tasted maple sap, practiced our fire building and stick carving skills, we sang, laughed, told stories, shared what the Easter bunny brought to us, roasted apples, pears, and marshmallows, and snuggled together as the fire warmed us from the cold April weather. We planted seeds and the children were introduced to the concept of photosynthesis and the elements necessary for plant grow: seeds, soil, water, and sun. Happy planting and growing!

Spring has Sprung!

2010-05-14T10:16:00.001-07:00

Here we are in May already! We have been so busy enjoying transformations at the Forest Preschool.

We remind Parents and Community that we have two spots for Fridays until September. Please confirm which days you will be keeping as there are many families waiting for a place for their child.

In April, the children rediscovered variety on the ground as the snow blanket receded. Fungi and water were our favorite subjects for exploration. We got wet every day - sometimes twice!

In May we are identifying many new plants and flowers - like our old friend, poison ivy as well as blood root and wild betony to name a few. The bugs are back and we are studying them to better understand their life cycle. The children are so strong and hike with such confidence in the woods. It is a joy to wander with them.

Sara is busy with parent "Walk and Talks" as she introduces parents to the wonders of the Forest that their children have walked and talked about. It is a great opportunity for parents to discover exactly where the adventures occur.

Please contact me directly should there be any questions. Happy Spring!

Cheers,
Marie

WINTER IS MELTING AWAY

2010-03-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

MOTHER NATURE PROVOCATIONS
By Sara Rocio Raeesi-Gujani

Winter has been a most enjoyable season in the woods! We explored the meaning of hibernation, recreated a Winterlude, and added dimension, colour and texture to the snow and ice.
Last Wednesday was the most beautiful day of the year. It was a truly Winter Paradise at the Forest Preschool. Suddenly everything was suspended and embraced in absolute silence and the forest was totally covered in white. The children have fantasized and wondered if all winter days were like Wednesday. Will they ever come back inside again? Will they live underneath the trees? They love to travel day and night in the forest lands and hills in search for treasures made out of snow and ice.
Our Winter Wonderland was quite inspirational on Thursday early morning:
LC: Let’s made a polar bear!
CL: And let’s made a penguin
SR: Where do they live?
GF: Polar bears live in the North Pole
AV: Penguins live in the South Pole
SR: What about if we use the compass to find out where the North and South are!
GF: [Holds the compass and points where the letter N is] Here is North!
LC/CL/EL: [All hold the compass while pointing where the letter S is]
CL: South is there!
Once we found the North and South Poles and began to make the polar bear and penguin, the children decided to bring snow from other lands to complete the project. We went to Greenland, England, Spain, and France. We also sailed and crossed the ocean to finally land in Greece for a quick soccer match. The forest became the world and as we travelled up the hills, down the hills, between the woods, and boarded trains and jets, and sailed across the ocean, we not only mapped a forest section but also brought with us beautiful souvenirs made of snow to complete our assignment.
Interestingly enough on Friday, the sky was grey, the air felt a bit warmer, the snow was very soft to walk on, and we found lots of small tree branches on the floor and mini-puddles everywhere; the polar bear and penguin have disappeared. It happens every year! The snow is melting!
March Pedagogical theme:
WINTER IS MELTING AWAY!
We will investigate the how, the why, and the effects of snow and ice melting. We will explore some factors that control the melting process: air temperature, the sun, the wind, and the rain. We will introduce the concept of global warming. We also will attempt to answer the following questions: a) Can we melt snow on fire? b) Where does the white go when the snow melts? c) Why does snow melt around the base of the tree trunks? Finally we will be searching for snow moulds on the ground.
Overall we will explore the meaning of melting! And while winter is melting away! Let’s think about what else can be melted? What about chocolate! Cheese! What changes can be observed? Have fun! And tell, show and share!

Food for the Forest Preschool

2010-02-26T10:46:00.000-08:00

Here is our meal plan so you will know what yummy things we are eating each day. The menu will be flexible with the seasons and may rotate for variety. Right now we are enjoying lots of soups and pastas. Snacks may be flipped for each day and soup, stew, pancake, muffin, cookie and "brownie" recipes may be posted at a later date. We will not be serving meat and on Mondays we do not serve dried fruit (including raisins), nuts, peanuts and seeds. Rice milk, rice crackers and rice cakes are provided daily.
WEEK ONE
MONDAY
Snack #1: Rice cakes and Apple slices
Lunch: Spiral rice pasta with pureed lentil sauce (veggies and beans), muffins or cookies
Snack #2: Veggies or fruit & dip
TUESDAY
Snack #1: Veggies & dip or no-nut butter and rice cakes or crackers
Lunch: Homemade soup or stew, corn bread/muffins, fruit
Snack#2: Muffins or cookies with spread, fruit
WEDNESDAY
Snack #1: Pita/hummus or black bean dip & fruit
Lunch: Buckwheat Pancakes or egg dish with soygurt/syrup, fruit
Snack#2:Veggies & dip or no-nut butter on rice cakes
THURSDAY
Snack #1: Fruit, muffins or cookies
Lunch: Hot pasta or soup, roasted veggies, cookies
Snack#2: Muffins (Baker's choice)
FRIDAY
Snack #1: Muffins, cookies, brownies and fruit
Lunch: Cook's Choice of soup or stew, veggies and cookies
Snack#2: Rice cakes or crackers, veggies and dip
WEEK TWO
MONDAY
Snack #1: Fruit and muffins or brownies or cookies
Lunch:Tuscan Bean and Vegetable soup with brown rice noodles, fruit
Snack #2:Veggies and crackers with mashed avocado
TUESDAY
Snack #1:Apple slices and mini muffins
Lunch:Oven fries, grilled vegetables, tofu sticks or bean cakes, fruit
Snack #2:Hummus with rice cakes and veggies
WEDNESDAY
Snack #1:Rice cakes with no-nut butter, fruit
Lunch:Steamed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, broccoli, kale) bean cakes or spaghetti
Snack #2:Muffins or cookies
THURSDAY
Snack #1:Veggies and dip, rice cakes
Lunch:Soup or casserole, veggies and dip, fruit crisp
Snack #2:fruit with hummus and dip or no-nut butter
FRIDAY
Snack #1:Muffins or cookies, fruit
Lunch:Red lentil and carrot soup with basmati rice or noodles, veggies and hummus
Snack #2:Fruit with no-nut butter

Eco Healthy Child Care

2010-02-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

The Carp Ridge Forest Preschool is pleased to announce that we have been endorsed by the Oregon Environmental Council as an Eco Healthy Child Care program. We qualified due to our focus and commitment to green, healthy, safe and sustainable programming. You are invited to check out the criteria for qualification at www.oeconline.org/ehcc
Thank you to everyone who helps us maintain our commitment to a sustainable future through our programs.

Winter Themes

2010-02-02T06:28:00.000-08:00

WINTER PEDAGOGICAL THEMES
By Sara Rocio Raeesi-Guajni
Wow! New Year, new decade, and new beginnings!
Early in January as the children were eager to share their holiday season experiences, they also were extremely curious about how the forest has changed and who lives underneath the snow. While walking up to the porcupines’ house and singing our weather song [... tell me the weather: it is raining, snowing or it is hot?]
ET: Is it hibernating!!!
At that moment we decided to pause and to question:
S: What is hibernation? What about the trees? Do they hibernate?
G: Trees do not hibernate. They stand up very, very tall and the snow falls on them and that is why they do not need to hibernate.
LC: Yes, trees hibernate because the bark protects them.
C: No, trees do not hibernate because they are trees.
EL: Yes, trees hibernate, they grow tall till they become a cave and in the cave they look for monsters.
January’s pedagogical theme:
EXPLORING THE MEANING OF HIBERNATION.
We are deconstructing this concept with games such Hi? Bernate!!!, Camouflage!!, sensory explorations, nature treasure hunts, following animal tracks, building caves, dens, and burrows and by answering questions such who hibernates? How animals hibernate? How animals in the forest prepare for hibernation? Most importantly, we explore by having fun and enjoying the beauty of the snow with all our senses and, of course snuggling underneath trees and behind snow banks by the creek with meditation, telling stories and reading books.Lately the children are inquiring about:
1) It is possible to hibernate in space? Can people hibernate?
2) How it is possible to live in ice?
3) Who lives in the Arctic? Where do the penguins live? Does the sun shines in the Arctic?
4) How do the baby polar bears live in the cold arctic weather? What happens if the snow melts, can they walk?
5) What about if we add colour to the snow caves and ice houses we have created?
February’s pedagogical theme:
CELEBRATING LIFE IN ICE.
We will continue to explore the meaning of hibernation. We will add the concept of Winterlude, will investigate the life near the Arctic and Antarctic, and the children will be introduced to astronomy concepts such name of stars and how the stars are formed into constellations.We will recreate a Winterlude celebration throughout the forest, we will simulate the Aurora Borealis, and we will create a mini planetarium in the Igloo. These provocations will provide plenty for sensory explorations, games, artistic expression, reading, storytelling, building, creating and recreating, meditating and contemplating. What a great way to explore the forest in winter and to wrap up the most beautiful months of the year.Please join me and the children for a great winter celebration. Parents are welcome to share talents, resources, ideas, and by discussing and expanding these themes at home with your child.

2010-01-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

A Big Welcome Back to all our Families! We hope that your winter vacation was fun and filled with wonderful activities.
Now that winter has given us so much snow we are on the prowl for icicles. I bet there are some under the snow. Sara and the children enjoyed their walk this morning. They explored up past the Yurt just to see what changes have occured while we were away. Then it was inside to warm up and play some more.
We are delighted to be offering home cooked meals and snacks. Warm soup for lunch will certainly fortify us as we get ready to play outside again this afternoon.
January is looking to be a great month for outdoor play. We know how to dress for the weather and are ready to have fun.

2009-12-02T10:00:00.001-08:00

DECEMBER’S PEDAGOGICAL THEME
The children's connection with the nature continues to grow as our program honours each child’s unique gifts, wisdom, and passion to learn what they truly desire to learn; therefore we encourage fun, safety, creative thinking, problem- solving skills, perseverance, confidence, and self-sufficiency.
Now that most of the leaves are in synergy with gravity and everything has fallen in nature, the children where enquiring why some trees lost their leaves and others not. They have thought that perhaps the trees can be divided in two groups: the “losers” and the “not losers", or “because of cold and the wind trees lose their leaves" and "trees become "bare naked" but "pine trees never ever lose their leaves because they become Christmas trees". These were among the children's theories on why some trees lose their leaves and others not.
December’s experiences and learning opportunities for the children will be to discover their own answers about why trees are losing their leaves from studying trees. The pedagogical theme for December is “BARE NAKED AND EVERGREEN TREES” or Deciduous and Coniferous Trees.
Parents are welcome to share time, talents, and resources in celebrating and honouring trees.

November 27, 2009

2009-11-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-26T10:15:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T18:03:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T17:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

'Fire Building 101'

Children learned that a fire needs air and wood to stay alive

Children strayed from fire momentarily to explore, and when I let them know the fire was dwindling, Coleman repeatedly said "Thank you, thank you, thank you Marlene for keeping our fire alive!"

'Ah-hiding-we-will-go'

Children hanging out in the shelter they helped build over the summer months with our campers. It was amazing to see how each child intereacted differently with the shelter. Some explored it by going inside, others started taking it apart to see how it was constructed, others stood outside and watched, and the remainder ran around it playing games.

'Snacks and Igloos, perfect Combo'

Snack Time near the 'sacred space.' We have a Shaman Group that comes on site once a month to perform a Sweat Lodge. Now that the winter is coming, the tarps have gone back on, and the children explored it and magically turned it into their very own igloo. Griffyn talked about his family who lived up North, and the other children learned about other cultures who live and sleep outdoors in ice homes.

Snowsuit Time

2009-10-14T07:19:00.001-07:00

Last week we enjoyed the company of Pierre Blin, our wilderness expert who also runs our homeschooling program here on site, who spent two days with Sara and our children exploring specific wilderness skills. During his time here, Sara and the children will get the chance to learn fire-building skills, plant and animal identification, wilderness safety, and much more. Additionally, they will get the chance to make their very own 'talking stick' which assists in our theme of celebrating diversity, allowing us to explore First Nations traditions. Also, the talking sticks help our preschoolers learn the sacredness of listening to their peers throughout the day and in story-telling circles.

A friendly reminder for parents when dropping your children off in the mornings, please have their rain gear on them (waterproof pants, waterproof jacket, warm layers underneath, boots, warm hat, and mitts) even when it's not raining given the amount of dew collecting as temperatures drop. Also, in upcoming days (tomorrow to be precise) we may dip to temps -8 degrees, in which case children need to come wearing snowsuits, insulated boots (or rainboots with thick woolen socks), hats, and mitts. When looking to get your child's snowsuit this year, ensure you are getting a waterproof one, and that you're child will be comfortable running around (meaning it's very warm but not too bulky that they cannot move). Thanks kindly for your cooperation on this. It means when the children arrive Sara can immediately go into programming, and not go looking for gear indoors which delays our program from starting up to 1 hour at times...it can be quite difficult getting children indoors, changed, and back outdoors in a short amount of time.

Check back shortly for recent pictures taken during our fire-building workshop! They capture the uniqueness and beauty that our children are experiencing on a daily basis.

October's Theme: Celebrating Diversity

2009-10-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

The theme for October: Celebrating Diversity [ October 6-30 ]

Family participation DURING THE MONTH:
1) Brainstorming what is diversity and send me the notes (to post in our bulletin board)
2) Ideas about activities on how we can celebrate diversity (to post)
3) I will like to extend an invitation to the parents to visit the library with the children and choose some books about our monthly themes and share with the group
4) To create a family book with pictures (including extended family) and some stories they will like to share to enrich our forest preschool library
5) Share world maps and/or the globe, posters, games, toys, musical instruments, photos of vacations and any material and resources.
6) Parents are welcome to share talents or time in our program

During this month we will explore the many facets of diversity; diversity in people and our environment. Please take a look at our Bulletin Board in the Learning Centre, and take the time to read our programming tree as the children assist in adding the leaves as the month unfolds. It's quite magical to watch a theme unfold, as we allow the children to lead their learning process, and to witness how they incorporate their learning into the lives at home.

Last month we explored the theme "Camouflage" which took us in many different directions with the children. They watched the camouflaging of the environment as the leaves changed with the passing of the summer, they experienced Camouflage as they played games and learned to blend into their own little hiding spots, they discussed how compost begins to Camouflage as it breaks down into soil, and so much more. We have heard tons of stories from our families about how their children picked up on this theme at home, witnessing how animals and other things in their environments also lent themselves to the great world of Camouflage.

If any parent has anything to contribute on Celebrating Diversity, please suggest them to Sara at any point in time. We welcome story-telling circles, pictures brought from home, science experiments, etc.

Enjoy this Harvest Season, and looking forward to seeing this learning unfold in front of our eyes.

Fall Updates

2009-09-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from the Learning Centre where I listened to three children snoring in unison...which was not music to the one child who remained awake on his mat. Oh, the Fall and stuffy noses! Just a quick update below, please see each item and send me an email if you have any questions:

Sara will be posting her monthly themes, including various activities the children will be taking part in, on the bulletin board as you enter the LC. Please check it out, and see the effort that goes behind the scenes in our early childhood outdoor learning process.
Beginning later this week, we have two volunteers who will be assisting the Forest Preschooler's in making a scarecrow family for the garden. If anyone has any scarecrow outfits they would like to donate, [shirts, hats, jeans, accessories] please do bring them in. We will display our scarecrows by the LC for the month of Sept, as the children work on them, and then will place the scarecrows in the garden for October.
Starting on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd we will have a Katimavik volunteer joining us every week to assist in our Tuesday programming day. We'd like to welcome Valerie to our preschool, and look forward to seeing her wonderful contributions to our program!
As the weather is getting colder, and we're going through a transition in seasons, please pack warm clothes for your children for the colder days [ie. fall jacket, warmer socks, hat and even light mitts on some days].
Given the recent media attention given to H1N1 these days, I thought it would be beneficial to review our sickness policy with families. Please check out: http://www.carpridgelearningcentre.ca/pdf/Parent%20Handbook.pdf on page 15. It states:

"Parents will be required to pick their children up from preschool or keep them home under the following conditions:
1) Temperature over 101 degrees F or 38.3 degrees C
2) Vomiting
3) Diarrhoea (3 watery, profuse stools)
In the case of communicable diseases such as measles, chicken pox, mumps, flu, strep throat, viral pneumonia, head lice, et cetera. The child in ill‐health may not return to the preschool without permission from their health care provider (i.e. Naturopath,
doctor, nurse, etc). Please Note: Any outbreak of communicable
disease will be communicated to parents in writing."

In addition to this statement above, we request that children do not return to the preschool until they are asymptomatic for 24 hours without the use of tylenol/tempra.

Thanks for your assistance in the areas above. Cheers, Marlene

Resources for interested parents

2009-09-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a great list of resources on early childhood education and sustainability for any parents interested in learning more about the benefits of nature-based education, or on the theoretical underpinnings of 'early childhood education for sustainable development.' Enjoy!

http://www.connotea.org/user/Sustainability

Four Seasons Under our Belt!

2009-08-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

We have officially been here at Carp Ridge for one year now; having started our outreach for the Forest Preschool in Aug '08, our pilot project up on October '08, and having started up the full time preschool in March '09! We have learned so much from each season, the adventures/gifts/challenges offered to us by Mother Nature. We are looking forward to continuing to implement our program with each of these things in mind.

As September is here, we have two children who will be leaving the program to attend kindergarten...Laurel and Norah! We'd like to wish them so much luck and happiness at school and let them know that it was such an amazing treat having them here. Their ideas, excitement, stories, dreams, and sense of adventure were such great gifts for all the adults and children on site. We welcome visits, and hope to see them at our Camps during school breaks and the summer holidays.

In light of their departure, we have already filled the open spots with people on our waiting list. We look forward to transitioning them into the program, and will officially welcome them into the group after their first few programming days. Stay tuned!

Lastly, parents are reminded that September payments are due this week during your childs first programming day. Also, please don't forget to take your blankets home with you (once a week for full time children and once every second week for part time children) for periodic cleaning. Other than that, thank you so much for your help in keeping our bins organized and your child's gear in the appropriate place. We appreciate all these efforts! Additionally, I will be posting some Forest Preschool pictures on our blog very soon, and our Forest Preschool video will be posted on our website. If parents have NOT signed a photo consent form please let me know and I can leave one for you with Sara.

Kindest, Marlene

Hello Heat, Good Bye Mosquitoes

2009-08-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome back, after our two weeks closure! We really missed all the children on site, but we were happy to clean out the Learning Centre, organize a better transition zone for parents in our front entrance, and set out our goals for the upcoming months. Here are some notices for parents that will assist us in keeping our LC clutter-free and our program running smoothly on a daily basis:

Each child now has a bin labelled with their name on it. When you drop off your child in the morning, please take clothes, comfort item, etc. and place in basket. If your bag is small enough to fit in bin, feel free to leave it there as well. If it's larger, please take it with you into your car.
Each child has also been assigned a hook at the front door. Please hang their jackets, rain gear, sun hats, and boots/shoes at this site.
Water bottles can be given directly to Sara for her carrying bag.
PLEASE put sunscreen and bug spray on children at home prior to arriving at preschool. You no longer need to bring sunscreen and bug spray with you in your child's bag, as we will be providing Sara with a communal bug spray and sunscreen for Sara to put on the children at several intervals throughout the day.
Children only need one small blanket for sleeping at the Forest Preschool. If you have sleeping bags, or any large blankets on site, please replace them with one thin blanket as soon as possible. We will occasionally do sleep-outs and will request camping gear, but they are much too large for our Learning Centre.
Parents should be taking their child's blanket home once a week for cleaning if they are full-time, and once every two weeks if they attend part-time.
Our catering started last week, and the children have been very happy with the meals as well as the lunchboxes they come in. If your child is talking about these boxes, and you'd like to purchase one, they are for sale at Credible Edibles in Ottawa.

Please don't hesitate to call or write with any questions. Also, a note to parents who observed the mosquitoes last week...the heat over the weekend has seemed to help and we're hoping for fewer and fewer mosquito bites in upcoming days. Cheers, Marlene

Credible Edible Website

2009-07-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

Here`s the website for the catering company we will be using in August on a trial basis!

http://www.credible-edibles.ca/home.php

Vacation Time!

2009-07-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder too all parents that we will be closed for two weeks starting this upcoming Monday. This will give us time to clean out the Learning Centre, organize art supplies, create a better transition zone for our Learning Centre porch, and tie up all loose ends that accumulate over the year. We hope you have a great time together as a family, and look forward to a fresh start on August 10th!

To recap our past few weeks, the children have discovered a new site on the property which they've coined as "the mountain." They have been enjoying going there every morning, passing the apple trees along the way where they tend to sit and eat their morning snack. We've welcomed a new volunteer as of last week who will be joining us each Tuesday and Thursday mornings for the rest of the summer. Her name is Shayla and she is a keen young girl, who is very active with the children...whether it's distracting them when they say good-bye to their parents or starting up a frisbee game with them when they're feeling a little antsy. Yesterday the children discovered a small bat on the property who had just died. They examined the bat carefully with sticks, looking at all it's parts and coming up with stories on it's passing. Additionally, given it's strawberry season, we have just bought several quarts of fresh, local strawberries which will be turned into yummy strawberry freezer jam tomorrow for the children to take home on Thursday. We've had some suggestions that homemade jams may be a good future fundraiser, so look out for this in the future. For now, just enjoy the fruits of your children's labour.

Lastly, an update on our licensing process. We are still working very diligently at completing this process, from writing policies and pocedures to making the necessary building changes to the Learning Centre. We have been examing our options for food, given Ministry requirements, and until our new building is built we are opting for catering for the children. We've been looking into several catering options, looking for someone who can fit our requirements of allergen-free, vegan, local and organic. We have a trial beginning on August 10 for several weeks with Credible Edible catering in Ottawa. They have a very similar mandate as the Forest Preschool and are very excited about this potential partnership. If parents have any questions or feedback about the food their children eat during the month of August we welcome you to contact us at any time. Please feel free to check out their website in the meantime.

Enjoy the next two weeks!

2009-06-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Memories from last week:
-A beautiful butterfly fluttering around the children for five minutes, and then perching itself on a twig between them, allowing itself to be examined and adored by their little eyes. We were able to identify the colors; black and white with blue specs on the top and red specs on the bottom
-A child discovered that our apple trees have finally started to grow some apples, albeit small and probably very, very sour! We watched the apples for a while, then sat under the apple tree to see what the view was like from underneath
-We discovered a quartz rock in the Forest, and took our rakes up to do some digging and clearing of leaves. We were quite surprised and excited to find little quartz crystals that we then put in our pockets and gave a crystal bath
-We went in the garden to explore what vegetables have been recently planted, in preparation of painting the garden stakes the following week
-We continued having amazing afternoon naps in the yurt, and had a woodpecker come join us a couple afternoons on a nearby dead tree, who seemed to be disturbed that it wasn`t invited for our quiet time
-We sat under a large oak tree on our sports field and watched the clouds change colors, move quickly about as the winds began to howl, and the rain pitter-pattering ever so lightly. We were protected under the tree, so we sat there for 45 mins telling tall tales of animals who sought shelter from thunder and lightening

Ahh, this list could always go on. It was a beautiful week, and now that the summer is finally here we`re looking forward to the black flies finally being gone! Hello pollinators and good-bye black flies!
-

Through the Eyes of a Child, and words of their parent

2009-05-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

Well, just last week we celebrated our six month anniversary for the Forest Preschool! With this half-year mark under our belt, we have been taking time to reflect, get feedback from families, foster new relationships with our communities, and continue feeling impassioned about the mandate of our work. I have decided to honor some of the feedback we've been getting by sharing this parent testimonial from Abby Karos, mommy to Elias. I'll leave the talking to her, and say that I'm looking forward to the next six months and beyond, of watching this program flourish and continue to inspire others within Canada.

"One of my favourite things about sending Elias to the Forest Pre-School is seeing him at the end of the day. He'll burst from the car with a stick or rock in a grubby hand and shouting for me to "Look!" at whatever prize he's brought home. His face often bears the marks of some afternoon adventure in the woods and he smells like a combination of sunscreen, citronella bug spray, sweet little boy sweat (when does it stop smelling sweet?!), and the outdoors. His relation to the outdoors has also changed in the short time he's been attending the preschool. He rolls with abandon in the grass and occasionally hugs trees - one time this was accompanied by a "thank you tree."

I have been able to spend a morning or two with Sara and the kids - wishing I had dressed myself more similarly to how I had dressed my child that morning. It was a relief to see kids allowed to do things like put their boots in the stream or move heavy rocks from place to place- things that would be forbidden at most preschools. Beyond the wonderful things the children get to experience and witness, it is inspiring to see the respectful and accepting environment that Sara and the other adults have fostered. The kids' interests, questions, opinions, and focus guide the actions for each day. How can they not feel respected? On one of our excursions, my son's attention was caught by a bird. The group was moving on and I might have urged him on had not Sara noticed his riveted gaze and stopped to allow him the space to observe the bird. He stood motionless for several seconds. In this moment, he was learning not only about nature, but also that what he is interested in is of value and worth pursuing. I can think of no better building block for starting out as a life-long learner."

From the Eyes of a Parent

2009-05-05T07:30:00.001-07:00

Hello, I’m Jennifer Gautreau, mom to Evan. He attends on Thursday mornings and for two of those days in April I was able to run around the woods with him, his little friends and Sara. Evan’s been coming to the preschool since November and I’ve always known he goes to a special place. But this was my first opportunity to witness the program first hand.
On both days we started off with the morning contemplation that Marlene mentioned previously. It was wonderful to see such little kids being still and observing, with all their senses. Hats off to Sara for getting the kids to do this, it really is remarkable. If only I could take her lesson to heart and start my day that way!
Then we were off to play soccer but deer droppings and tree climbing quickly grabbed their attention. I’m still not sure if Evan is really interested in the droppings or if he just likes to say “poop” as often as possible. Shortly after that we were fortunate enough to see the season’s first butterfly. The boys actually watched quietly as it flitted around.
Then we found something decomposing. Using a stick, we poked it a bit to see if we could figure out what it had been. Judging by its really small teeth we guessed that it was either a mouse or a vole. After the initial exclamations of “yuck” and “ughhhh” the kids found it pretty interesting. Now that’s not something they would get to do in a traditional setting!
Other activities included finger-painting pictures and birdhouses. Sara chose nice rock outcroppings for story time and snack time. We investigated holes to see what might live underground and the boys had a lot of fun building a bridge across a little stream. We looked for sticks in the shape of different letters.
I loved everything that the boys did with Sara and she’s really into every aspect of the program. She was patient, creative and enthusiastic. Our children are very fortunate that they get to experience her kindness, compassion and knowledge.
All of these things are wonderful. But I think what really reaffirmed that this program is special is how the cycle of life is being absorbed by these kids. They get to see that animals poop in the woods, they die in the woods and that new life comes from these same places. And it’s not from a book. For them it’s tangible.

Recipe for Calming Lavender Lemonade

2009-04-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well, now that spring has finally arrived we're preparing for the transformation that is taking place all around us. The children have witnessed the ice melting, the ground thawing, snow turn to soft water drops falling on their faces, and then finally the putting away of snowsuits! Yippee!! Sara continues to encourage each child to become active agents and observers of the world around them, and they've discovered such beautiful things in the past month. They've explored rabbit themes around Easter, have witnessed the building of a Robin's nest on the back porch of the clinic, assembled and painted their own bird houses to hang on the yurt trail, and learned that charcoal from our fire pit can be used for art and drawing projects. Sara has also incorporated a contemplation/meditation time at the back of the clinic in the morning and once in the afternoon in order to encourage each child to breathe in the environment, listen to the sounds, and identify how their own bodies are feeling that day. It's so amazing watching five three year olds sitting down and pondering the beauty of this world. In fact, one day a child "shhhh'd" me as I spoke a little too loudly and interrupted his quiet time.

So, on that note I thought I'd share a recipe for calming lavender lemonade that we will begin making now the weather is warming up. Start checking our blog often, as our weekly programs and menu will soon be shared with our Forest Preschool Parents.

Calming Lavender Lemonade:
-juice of 12 lemons
-4 cups of water
-four sprigs of lavender (or one tea ball of lavender buds)
-honey to taste

Let lemonade sit overnight with lavender in. Enjoy the refreshing, calming treat!

First Picnic of the Year!

2009-03-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

A brief summary of today's events:

Long morning hike that included reading, water/mud play, and oral story-telling
Beautiful picnic outdoors (Leek and Potato Soup with couscous salad and pita)
An afternoon hike that involved solo time for a non-sleeping child that included measuring water depths, exploring skeleton leaves, long-jumping off of stair stumps, turning sticks into magical walking and talking sticks, and a conversation on Aboriginal cultures
Dreamy sleeps for our younger children, followed by soy yogurt, fruit and a little outdoor play to end the day

All is well, as we witness the beauty of Spring slowly revealing itself....

First week of March already!

2009-03-04T11:26:00.001-08:00

Good day to all forest preschooling families and friends! It's been some time since our last blog, as we've been super busy gearing up for our new staff member to begin, new children starting our preschool, and all the other changes taking place. The past month has been filled with creative adventures; identifying animal calls and where those animals live on Jamie's recorder, learning how difficult it is to make snow-people in dry snow and then brainstorming to use a watering can to assist us in building a snow village, finding a fallen tree and then taking it for a train ride all the way to the Gatineau hills, listening to numerous stories about love during Valentines day, and so much more. We've waved good-bye to Jamie as he has set off to a job in Africa, and now welcome Sara onto our team. Her skills at engaging children from a holistic and creative perspective have been a gift to watch this past week, and I've witnessed the children be drawn to her like the shiniest of magnets. Yesterday, the children opened up our dressup box (which has been there with dress up clothes for about two months now, almost untouched) and played in imaginary worlds for about an hour. I truely believe this is the result of having Sara on our team who so graciously goes about setting up the space in a conscious and engaging manner.

So, on that note: Cheers to the coming of Spring and seeing what kind of magical shinnannigans we can get ourselves into!

Another beautiful week of Sunshine

2009-01-13T19:02:00.000-08:00

Wow, the weather this Monday and Tuesday was surely in our favour! The children were troopers this week as they explored the concept of opposites, such as hot and cold, and completed the activity of creating their very own ice candles. They were very quick to describe other opposites and we were surprised to hear their description of so many 'feeling' words in this description. What an emotionally-aware bunch we have on our hands.

Both Jamie and I were very happy this week to see the children enter into a new transition level into the program; it seems as if they are really grasping and enjoying the quiet time in our days, are learning to sing most of our regular songs, and are learning to walk for longer periods unassisted then in previous weeks. We took this opportunity to acknowledge each child and tell them how proud we are of their latest feats.

We would also like to take a moment to thank all our volunteers who've been so fabulous to us in recent times; from sharing vehicles, to baking muffins, to cooking and preparing lunch...we are blessed by this help! We'd also like to announce that we have another volunteer coming on board on Monday's to assist in cooking for the Forest Preschool, which assists us greatly in focusing our efforts on programming and getting more children for the Preschool. Yeah to fabulous help!

Lastly, now that the program is in full swing and we're getting busier and busier, I'd like to remind parents that we'd like to be more consistent with payment schedules and the receiving of cheques. If you could please write them out the Carp Ridge Learning Centre, and hand them to Marlene directly on the first of each month for the month ahead we would greatly appreciate this effort for our own organizational efforts. Please see me if you have any further questions.

To conclude, Freya Struthers (LC Director) will be in India on vacation for three weeks beginning this Saturday. I will be on site from Monday to Friday for any questions and we wish her a very joyful and peaceful holiday!

Until next week, Marlene

Alternative Discipline

2009-01-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

I thought this would be a helpful resource; these are all positive forms of discipline that we use at the Forest Preschool.

Alternative Discipline:
[From Mothering Magazine Website]

Use positive reinforcement.
Create a positive environment.
Say yes as much as possible.
Save no for the important things.
Use natural consequences.
Use logical consequences.
Use restitution.
Leave it up to your child.
Compromise.
State your expectations, and get out of the way.
Give specific instructions.
Give a reason.
Offer help.
Give a choice.
Redirect your child.
Remove your child.
Make positive statements.
Give in occasionally.
Give your child time to agree.
Simply insist.
Make rules.
Ignore some behavior.
Avoid nagging and threats.
Distract your child.
Use humor.
Make it a game.
Be willing to admit your mistakes.
Stop and think before you act.
Don't make a big fuss over little things.
Stick to routines.
Don't hurry your children too much.
Get to the root of the problem.
Correct one behavior at a time.
Give yourselves time.
Use the golden rule.
Model appropriate behavior.
Think of your child as an equal.
Always keep your love for your child in mind.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....

2009-01-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas is over and we've finally taken down the decorations on our outdoor Christmas tree. The children had so much fun looking for the tree, decorating it, singing carols, and then rediscovering that it was still up after the holidays. Alas, Jamie has cleaned and next week the children will probably come up with some imaginative story about how the animals loved the decorations so much that they decided to take them away!

The past couple of months have been filled with beautiful and busy beginnings; from forming relationships with our new children and families, to learning how long it takes to put on seven childrens' outdoor gear. With logistical lessons in tow, we've finally come to a place where blogging is a realistic and worthy weekly goal. On this blog you will find some insights into what your children do from day to day, as well as memos that need to get out to parents such as supplies they may need or volunteers being requested.

To summarize the past two months, we have turned a fallen log into a pirate ship, created our very own nature playground by turning a hill into a half-dozen or more slides, made jewelry out of crystals after finding a quartz crystal on our hike, finger painted in the yurt, sang songs, climbed snow mounds that magically turned into mountains, and so much more! The children have been so inspiring, so alive, so enthusiastic...it has truly been the best affirmation that we're on the right path.

Within the next two months we will see our bus or van option come to life from downtown Ottawa, we will continue recruiting more children into our full time preschool through a new marketing strategy, and we will start our Families in Nature Program on the first Sunday of February between 10-12. We look forward to posting on the blog and encourage feedback in every way possible.

To a magical-outdoor 2009!

Vegan Banana Blueberry Recipe

2008-09-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

Here's a great recipe I used last week that is so moist you'll be shocked it doesn't have any dairy!

Dry Ingredients:
-1/2 cup brown sugar
-1/2 white sugar/sucanat
-4 cups flour (2 w/w, 2 pastry)
-1 tea baking soda
-3 tab ground flax seed
-2 tea cinnamon
-1 tea salt

Wet Ingredients:
-1 cup vegan margarine (Balance recommended)
-6 brown bananas
-1 cup apple sauce
-1/2 cup soymilk mixed w/ 2 tea apple cider vinegar
-2 tea vanilla

Mix dry ingredient and sift. In separate bowl mix wet ingredients, then combine. Don't overmix, just moisten and then fold in 1 cup of blueberries. Spray muffin tray, and pour. Bakes at 350 degrees for approx. 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

Non-Violent Communication

2008-09-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was our training on Non-Violent Communication at the Carp Ridge Learning Centre. Rachelle Lamb was the facilitator hailing from Victoria, and our 15 participants ranged from people who worked with or lived with children and wanted to bring about a new wave of conscious caregiving, to people who wanted to improve their personal relationships by becoming more conscious of how they respond and react to one another. It's such an amazing opportunity to be in a room full of people who are committing to becoming more conscious and striving to have more effective and less violent relationships.

For a brief recap we began the workshop by focusing on 'NEEDS" and how they are the basis of every interaction. All people, all the time, whether they have the tools to identify it or not, are communicating their needs. We spoke about basic needs, universal needs, and our group specifically spoke a little about ego-needs. From there we went through the steps of Non-Violent Communication: 1) Observations- objectively identifying what an individual is observing without interpretation or judgement 2) Identify feelings- how does the action you observed impact you personally, without thoughts 3) Needs- Focus on what are your needs in the situation, which are life-serving 4) Request- concrete action that has a timeline. This process was highlighted by the importance of intention when you enter into a conversation and a natural curiosity about the people in your life. Having the intention of connection and harmony, and being curious about another individual, will take you away from judgement and will move you towards a new form of being with people. Simple but not easy, effective but not natural in terms of our instinct to judge and analyze.

All in all, great experience and I'm looking forward to the impact this will have on my life as I continue to practice this form of communication. The children in our preschool will be greatly impacted by adults who clearly communicate with them without judging or imposing their truth on them. Thus, furthering our value of empowering each child within this environment. We'll look at having another training session in the New Year for parents of the children at the preschool. Stay Tuned!

Fall has arrived

2008-09-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

Ahh...there's a stillness and coolness in the air that is typical of this time of year. Such a time of excitment; shedding the layers of leaves we've accumulated over the past months, harvesting and preparing for hibernation in figurative and literal senses. The staff at Carp Ridge Learning Centre have been busy designing advertising, postering nearby venues, designing programming, learning and growing and awaiting the arrival of children for October. We've met several families over the past couple of weeks, and it's been a great opportunity to connect to people within the community and canvas the communities needs, wish-lists, and to hear praise of what we're striving to achieve. We're now contemplating the need to create an online Alliance/Network to promote children and youths' access to nature. A similar movement exists in the US stemming from the book [great read] titled "Last Child in the Woods." Stay tuned to that one. Off to get some storage supplies for the Learning Centre. Until next time, Marlene

Still recruiting families...

2008-09-05T07:14:00.001-07:00

Well, with less than a month to go we are still going through the recruitment, marketing, and media process. We're super excited to welcome Jamie to our staff next week; we'll take this opportunity to do a more in-depth reach out to the media, as well as more intensive networking. It's an interesting process, one that is unfolding naturally, and with the reminder from my wise partner, Scott, "Build it, and they will come."~Field of Dreams

A note to anyone reading this Blog, we are also still recruiting volunteers and supplies (such as children's outdoor clothing, garden/digging supplies, snowshoes, skii's, etc). Please contact us if you'd be interested in getting involved or if you have anything to donate.

Kindest,
Facilitator, Mar