Information for 4-10 year olds
What is a Forest School?
The Forest School concept is one in which children experience “regular and repeated access to the same
natural space, as well as emergent, experiential, inquiry-based, play-based, and place-based learning”
(MacEachren, 2013). The defining feature of this type of nature-based education program is that
children are provided with opportunities to build an on-going relationship with the land, to a dedicated educator, to one another, and to themselves through this unique educational approach. For more information on Forest and Nature Schools please visit http://childnature.ca/forest-school-canada.
How old does my child have to be to participate in Forest School?
At least 4 years old and all children must be potty-trained.
What is the ratio of adults to children?
Our ratio is 1 adult to 6 children. The maximum number of children for the program is 16.
What are the ages for children to attend?
- Ages 4 to 6 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- Ages 7 to 11 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
What is the cost of the program?
Cost is $55/day/child. E-transfers (preferred) or cheques payable at the beginning of each month.
What will my child do each day?
Children enrolled in our Forest School are given the opportunity to interact with nature through the use
of loose parts, creative play, an outdoor campfire, knots, magic spots (sit spots), nature stories and
songs, den building, gardening and identifying flora and fauna. We allow children to explore muddy
puddles and make collections of and work with natural resources.
Older children will also learn more complex activities such as fire starting, shelter building, nature
identification, whittling and archery.
How is the day structured at Forest School?
The Forest School approach happens over time but has a structured, yet relaxed atmosphere. Our Forest
School educators focus on what the children can do; thus building self-confidence, self-esteem, and
autonomy within a shared, collaborative, and convivial environment. The children discover nature
through open ended play activities employing natural resources. Children learn in a way that is age
appropriate and personalized. The shape of the day will start with arrival and morning welcome, as well
as invitations to open ended loose parts play. This will be followed by a morning adventure, snack, fire,
and creative exploration (making, building, sharing stories), lunch, unstructured play and more creative
exploration.
What kind of natural environments will my child be engaging in?
Every session will consist of a morning adventure into a forest, meadow, open play area or garden
setting. We will set out to our destination to explore, plant, play, make-believe, do art, make music,
dance, sing, read and share stories, create, run and jump in puddles, collect natural curiosities, learn
practical skills, observe wildlife, scoop and pour, build, laugh, and wonder.
What if I need to get in touch with one of the teachers during the program?
If there is ever a need to pick up your child early, or any other emergency, the program leaders carry a
cell phone to communicate with the “outside world”, as well as two-way radios that allow them to stay
in direct contact with each other.
Who are the staff that will be running the program?
Our educators collectively have over 25 years experience as outdoor educators. They are carefully
chosen for background and experience. All staff are First Aid Certified and have current Vulnerable
Sector Police Record Check.
What will happen in inclement weather?
Our program, as much as possible is held outside. In the event of severe weather (thunderstorms, heavy
rain, high winds, extreme colds or snowstorms) a fully-functional indoor classroom is available.
Where do I drop my child off, and pick them up?
Pick-up and drop-off will be in a designated drop-off area. Staff will be there to meet parents at the
beginning and end of each day.
What if my child needs to use the bathroom while outside?
We are never far from the indoor washrooms in the building.
What does my child need to bring to Forest School?
All tools and materials for the program will be provided. You will need to bring items for your child such
as a change of clothes, lunch, snacks, water bottle, rain gear, bug and/or sun protection. A list is
included in the Parent Handbook. Note: Potable water, to refill water bottles, is on-site.
How do you ensure the safety of each group?
The environment in which we work is risk assessed prior to any activities taking place in order to make
the space as safe as necessary rather than as safe as possible. Age appropriate risk taking is encouraged
at Forest School so as to educate children to manage their own abilities and gauge safety.
When introducing tool use, we have a structured approach. Every time a new tool is being introduced
children are closely observed so as to ensure proper use and procedure. Fire lighting and fire side
cooking is a favourite activity at Forest School. We approach fire activities responsibly and safely,
starting with the lighting of a very small fire until children become accustomed to choice of fire site,
components required to starting a fire, appropriate selection of tinder, kindling, lighting, maintenance,
and building. Ongoing interactions are aimed at developing a healthy respect for fire and fire use.
What Covid-19 guidelines do you have in place?
We have developed comprehensive guidelines that focus on sanitation and hygiene. We do not require
children to wear masks. Educators will wear masks inside and parents/grandparents must wear masks
when dropping off and picking up their child. The guidelines are made available to parents registering
their children.
Information for 3 year olds
What is a Forest School?
The Forest School concept is one in which children experience “regular and repeated access to the same
natural space, as well as emergent, experiential, inquiry-based, play-based, and place-based learning”
(MacEachren, 2013). The defining feature of this type of nature-based education program is that
children are provided with opportunities to build an on-going relationship with the land, to a dedicated
educator, to one another, and to themselves through this unique educational approach. For more
information on Forest and Nature Schools please visit http://childnature.ca/forest-school-canada
How old does my child have to be to participate in Forest School?
Three (3) years old at time of registration and all children must be potty-trained.
What is the ratio of adults to children?
Our ratio is 1 adult to 5 children. The maximum number of children for the program is 5 per day.
What is the cost of the program?
Cost is $55/day/child.
E-transfers (preferred) or cheques payable at the beginning of each month.
What will my child do each day?
Children enrolled in our Forest School are given the opportunity to interact with nature through the use
of loose parts, creative play, an outdoor campfire, knots, magic spots (sit spots), nature stories and
songs, den building, gardening and identifying flora and fauna. We allow children to explore muddy
puddles and make collections of and work with natural resources.
How is the day structured at Forest School?
The Forest School approach happens over time and has structured, yet relaxed atmosphere. Our
registered Early Childhood Educators focus on what the children can do; thus building self-confidence,
self-esteem, and autonomy within a shared, collaborative, and convivial environment. The children
discover nature through open ended play activities employing natural resources. Children learn in a way
that is age appropriate and personalized. The shape of the day will start with arrival and morning
welcome, as well as invitations to open ended loose parts play. This will be followed by a morning
adventure, snack, fire, and creative exploration (making, building, sharing stories), lunch, unstructured
play and more creative exploration.
What kind of natural environments will my child be engaging in?
Every session will consist of a morning adventure into a forest, meadow, open play area or garden
setting. We will set out to our destination to explore, plant, play, make-believe, do art, make music,
dance, sing, read and share stories, create, run and jump in puddles, collect natural curiosities, learn
practical skills, observe wildlife, scoop and pour, build, laugh, and wonder.
What if I need to get in touch with one of the teachers during the program?
If there is ever a need to pick up your child early, or any other emergency, the program leaders carry a
cell phone to communicate with the “outside world” and in direct contact with each other.
Who are the staff that will be running the program?
Both our ECE’s have been working with children for many years, combined they have 15 years
experience. They are carefully chosen for background and experience. All staff are First Aid Certified
and have current Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check.
What will happen in inclement weather?
Our program, as much as possible is held outside. In the event of severe weather (thunderstorms, heavy
rain, high winds, extreme colds or snowstorms) a fully-functional indoor classroom is available.
Where do I drop my child off, and pick them up?
Pick-up and drop-off will be in a designated drop-off area. Staff will be there to meet parents at the
beginning and end of each day.
What if my child needs to use the bathroom while outside?
We are never far from the indoor washrooms in the building.
What does my child need to bring to Forest School?
All tools and materials for the program will be provided. You will need to bring items for your child such
as a change of clothes, lunch, snacks, water bottle, rain gear, bug and/or sun protection. A list is
included in the Parent Handbook. Note: Potable water, to refill water bottles, is on-site.
How do you ensure the safety of each group?
The environment in which we work is risk assessed prior to any activities taking place in order to make
the space as safe as necessary rather than as safe as possible. Age appropriate risk taking is encouraged
at Forest School so as to educate children to manage their own abilities and gauge safety.
When introducing tool use, we have a structured approach. Every time a new tool is being introduced
children are closely observed so as to ensure proper use and procedure. We have all necessary
emergency plans in place for any eventuality.
What Covid-19 guidelines do you have in place?
We have guidelines that focus on sanitation and hygiene. We do not require children or educators to
wear masks at this time.
For more information contact us at info@naturescalling.ca
Nature’s Calling Environmental Education is a charitable organization.
(#833705304RR0001)