Nature’s Classroom without Walls
Spring 2023 Forest School
2023 Spring Forest School registration now available
Please click here to register for our 2023 Spring Forest School.
New!
Little Sprouts: Parents & Tots Program
‘From little seeds grow mighty trees’
“Little Sprouts: Parent and Tots” is a nature-based program for children under the age of three and their trusted adults, which will foster learning and exploring together in nature. Facilitated by a Registered Early Childhood Educator, this program will offer new adventures each week that encompass learning through play, communication, problem solving and ultimately give opportunity to get out and enjoy nature in our local communities.
Our shared experiences could include nature hikes (stroller friendly if needed), loose parts play, nature crafts and activities, story time and songs, and much more…
To accommodate parents and the size of Norfolk County, we have decided to run a parent and tot program at local parks in each center. Mondays will be Delhi and Simcoe and Tuesdays will be Waterford and Port Dover. The pilot program will run in March.
Please click here to register for our “Little Sprouts: Parents and Tots Program”
Mission Statement
The mission of Norfolk Forest School is to foster rich learning experiences through nature connections for children in the early years. We believe that children not only need, but deserve nature in their everyday lives. We strive to create an environment where children are free to be children, exploring the world around them through wonder and inquiry, all the while building strong and healthy relationships with themselves, their peers, and the natural world.
Guiding Philosophy and Core Values
The philosophy that guides the Norfolk Forest School is that children are extremely curious and playful by nature, and capable of co-constructing their own learning environment while immersed in the outdoors. Through daily opportunities and hands-on experiences to connect with the natural world, children ask questions, and guide their own discovery alongside a caring and dedicated educator. Relationships are at the core of our program, including the relationships we develop with children, their families, the community, and our environment.
At the Norfolk Forest School we value learning that is play-based, place-based, and inquiry-based. Children are innately inquisitive and curious, and ask questions to gather thoughts and ideas, so they can make sense of the world around them. From wondering, to questioning and then exploration, children guide their own learning and discovery, initiated by their self-directed interests. Emergent learning allows for the co-constructing of curriculum which is intentional and meaningful for both the child and educator.
For more information please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
You can also contact us at info@naturescalling.ca
