Enjoy this time of year
This post originally appeared in Dr. Rachel A. Larimore’s weekly Samara newsletter on May 2, 2023. If you’re interested in receiving these emails, scroll to the bottom of this page to subscribe.
Look, I realize Spring is a nutty time in a nature-based program. There are family conferences to complete, family events, transitions, celebrations, and so much more.
Yet, Spring is a GLORIOUS time in a nature-based program!
Why? For two reasons:
Rituals and routines–At this point in the year the group knows the routines. There are shared rituals which have created a cohesive bond.
Nature is in its glory! Nature is flourishing with all sorts of new things to show children and the weather is generally easy. This combination makes for a wondrous time of year.
So today’s message is a gentle reminder to enjoy this time of year. Yes, it’s busy and chaotic. Yet, if we are mindful we’ll be able to enjoy the wonders of this season.
Pause and notice how the children are immersed in play and needing you less than they did a few months ago. Notice how active the plants and animals are around you. Notice how families are comfortable in the nature-based pedagogy and routines of your program.
And if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere right now I would argue the same pause and enjoy message applies. It’s just the things to notice and appreciate will be different.
Wherever you are, I hope you’ll pause and ENJOY! 😀
Keep changing lives,
Rachel
Rachel A. Larimore, Ph.D., Chief Visionary of Samara Learning
Need more help getting outside?
If you’re new to the idea of venturing Beyond, you might find our new downloadable resource Venturing Beyond the Fence: A Guide to Getting Started useful. It explores in more detail each of the steps mentioned above.
Emergent curriculum can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! It can be such an enriching experience to bring the children’s local culture & nature into their daily learning. To make that easier to plan, check out our Planning for Emergent Curriculum: Capturing Seasonal Events! The workbook provides a framework for brainstorming experiences and materials that could be included in the classroom (Inside, Outside, or Beyond) to build on children’s interests. You will end up with a library of ideas you can draw from!
