A day in a Nature Kindergarten

Dr. Enid Elliot, who is a key collaborator on this project, has written a thoughtful and engaging narrative on what a Day in a Nature Kindergarten might look like.  The narrative is based on a vision of embracing emergent learning possibilities.  Enjoy!

The next monthly planning meeting will take place on May 7th at 3:00pm at the University of Victoria, MacLaurin Rm A341.

Thank you to those of you who participated in our April 2nd planning meeting.  We were able to refine our teacher and ECE training, scheduled to occur in late May and early June.  This will be the first in an on-going series of professional learning opportunities for the educators working with this pilot program.

Thank you to Nancy and Hilary at RRU for drafting a Memorandum of Understanding, which will be finalized over the coming weeks.  Thank you also to Laura for taking the lead to draft a safety manual, and to others for providing support to complete this document.  A final word of thanks to Leah and Scot for developing a student clothing and gear list, which was expanded during our meeting.

There was discussion about the transition to a smaller steering committee that will help support the pilot on a more regular basis beginning in June.  The broader community planning meetings that have been taking place monthly will occur on an as needed basis beginning this summer.  The input from our larger community partner group has been invaluable.  Thank you to those of you who have supported the project with your ideas and expertise!

Read the links below for information about the new physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines for the early years (0 to 4 year olds) ….

http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2012/03/bc-supports-new-guidelines-to-get-children-active.html

http://www.chbcnews.ca/health/little+kids+should+move+more+sit+less+say+new+guidelines+for+children+under+four/6442608705/story.html

Canadian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years

Our next planning meeting will take place on Monday, April 2 at 3:15 pm at Royal Roads University, Grant Building, Rm. 228.

We had several new faces at the February 20th planning meeting.  It was great to welcome representatives from the Goldstream Nature House, Fort Rodd Hill and Scouts Canada to our project planning process.

Some brief highlights:

*  Registration – 10 spots for boys filled, 9 spots for girls filled

* Funding – Thank you to RBC Foundation for their support.  The donation will be officially presented to Sooke School District on March 15th at the Colwood RBC branch.

We are still in need of additional funding, and are waiting to hear back from several foundations.

* Job descriptions – Draft job descriptions for the Nature K teacher and ECE have been developed.  Please visit the Sooke School District website if you are interested in applying.  Postings should be advertised in April.

* Clothing – Plan to develop a clothing and gear list for review at the next monthly meeting.

* Risk management Plan – Thank you to Maureen, Judy, Hilary and Nancy for drafting a communication protocol.  The risk management plan is being completed, and work on the safety manual will begin over the next two months.

* Program resources and teacher/educator training – A sub-committee was formed with representation from CRD Parks, Goldstream Nature House, Fort Rodd Hill, and others to develop a training series for the teacher and ECE.  Additionally, the group will provide an overview of the services they anticipate being able to offer to the Nature Kindergarten educators.  The sub-committee is meeting at Royal Roads University on March 13th, Grant Building, Rm 228 at 3:15 pm.

Thanks to everyone for their enthusiastic participation in our February meeting!

Thank you to all of the families who came out to apply for Nature Kindergarten on February 6th.  See the media story below for more details about the experience.

We sent out Nature Kindergarten placement emails to the families of 10 boys and 9 girls on February 20th.  At this time, all families have accepted the Nature Kindergarten placement for their children.  No decisions about the remaining spots have been made.  More information will be provided in the near future.

http://www.timescolonist.com/travel/Parents+camp+overnight+steps+register+kids+nature+kindergarten/6111146/story.html

Today’s planning meeting will take place at Royal Roads, Castle, Rm. 121 at 3:15 pm.

Please see attached media release regarding the registration process that took place this morning.  Registration is still open.

NatureKindergartenRegistration~6Feb2012[1]

Please follow the link for an update on registration day guidelines.  Applications for Nature Kindergarten will be accepted at the Sooke School District Board Office beginning 8 am Monday, February 6th.

Nature Kindergarten Registration Day Guidelines