Daycare.com Forum
Reggio / Waldorf / Forest Kindergarten / Granola / Natural - Learning Methods>How Many People Here Are Interested...
Heidi 08:30 AM 09-27-2013
In incorporating aspects of any of this into their programs?
-Reggio Emilia
-Natural elements
-Nature hikes, outdoor programs, forest "kindergarten" type stuff
-Waldorf
They are all sort of intertwined, and I see a big movement happening where more of us are trying to live more naturally, or teach more naturally, or offer more wood vs. plastic, natural colors, less electronics, etc.
Can we get a list of people who are interested? If so, maybe we could ask Michael to start a section for sharing links, ideas, etc.?
-Reggio Emilia
-Natural elements
-Nature hikes, outdoor programs, forest "kindergarten" type stuff
-Waldorf
They are all sort of intertwined, and I see a big movement happening where more of us are trying to live more naturally, or teach more naturally, or offer more wood vs. plastic, natural colors, less electronics, etc.
Can we get a list of people who are interested? If so, maybe we could ask Michael to start a section for sharing links, ideas, etc.?
jenboo 08:44 AM 09-27-2013
Interested! my grand opening of my home daycare is Monday 
I have mostly plastic stuff right now because it made my start up costs affordable. I plan on weeding out the plastic as fast as I can.
I have mostly plastic stuff right now because it made my start up costs affordable. I plan on weeding out the plastic as fast as I can.
AcornMama 08:51 AM 09-27-2013
Definitely interested!
This is exactly what I'm trying to do with my preschool. I'm nowhere near where I'd like to be, but I'm working at it!
This is exactly what I'm trying to do with my preschool. I'm nowhere near where I'd like to be, but I'm working at it!
blandino 08:54 AM 09-27-2013
I actually promised myself that any new toys coming into the daycare would be wooden or at least natural (maybe some play animals, or musical instruments as an exception).
childcaremom 08:52 AM 09-27-2013
I do and am interested in doing/learning more! Especially Reggio.
Willow 08:56 AM 09-27-2013
We live on near 50 acres out in the country. The property was clear cut long ago for farming but when hubs built the house he started restoring it. Since then, and the three years I've been around we've planted many thousands of trees, dug out the three ponds (and plan to do that again in the next few years), planted large chunks to CRP to restore native prairie grass habitat as well as farm food plots for wildlife (helps our hunting but also supports local deer populations through tough winters. We have an ENORMOUS garden the kids help me plant in indoor greenhouse in early spring, plant outdoors in late spring, weed throughout summer, harvest, prep, and eat.
That passion for nature is a HUGE part of my "program." Weather permitting we get outside for nature walks and exploring daily. I believe with all my heart that kids need to get back to the very basics if at all possible and those that do are blessed for having the opportunity.
Best opportunity to date, they got to watch a doe give birth to a fawn just off the backyard. I never thought I'd ever see anything like that but to watch the kids all marvel at the sight brought tears to my eyes.....
The planet needs kids who grow up with that awareness, respect and joy.
That passion for nature is a HUGE part of my "program." Weather permitting we get outside for nature walks and exploring daily. I believe with all my heart that kids need to get back to the very basics if at all possible and those that do are blessed for having the opportunity.
Best opportunity to date, they got to watch a doe give birth to a fawn just off the backyard. I never thought I'd ever see anything like that but to watch the kids all marvel at the sight brought tears to my eyes.....
The planet needs kids who grow up with that awareness, respect and joy.
daycarediva 09:18 AM 09-27-2013
Originally Posted by blandino:
I actually promised myself that any new toys coming into the daycare would be wooden or at least natural (maybe some play animals, or musical instruments as an exception).
I made the same promise to myself. My exceptions include legos because my kids are ALL obsessed with them. I actually promised myself that any new toys coming into the daycare would be wooden or at least natural (maybe some play animals, or musical instruments as an exception).
Originally Posted by Willow:
We live on near 50 acres out in the country. The property was clear cut long ago for farming but when hubs built the house he started restoring it. Since then, and the three years I've been around we've planted many thousands of trees, dug out the three ponds (and plan to do that again in the next few years), planted large chunks to CRP to restore native prairie grass habitat as well as farm food plots for wildlife (helps our hunting but also supports local deer populations through tough winters. We have an ENORMOUS garden the kids help me plant in indoor greenhouse in early spring, plant outdoors in late spring, weed throughout summer, harvest, prep, and eat.
That passion for nature is a HUGE part of my "program." Weather permitting we get outside for nature walks and exploring daily. I believe with all my heart that kids need to get back to the very basics if at all possible and those that do are blessed for having the opportunity.
Best opportunity to date, they got to watch a doe give birth to a fawn just off the backyard. I never thought I'd ever see anything like that but to watch the kids all marvel at the sight brought tears to my eyes.....
The planet needs kids who grow up with that awareness, respect and joy.
ITA and LOVE that you can provide this for children. AWESOME! I am also jealous of 50 acres! I am such a country girl and I wish you could even BUY that many acres locally. We live on near 50 acres out in the country. The property was clear cut long ago for farming but when hubs built the house he started restoring it. Since then, and the three years I've been around we've planted many thousands of trees, dug out the three ponds (and plan to do that again in the next few years), planted large chunks to CRP to restore native prairie grass habitat as well as farm food plots for wildlife (helps our hunting but also supports local deer populations through tough winters. We have an ENORMOUS garden the kids help me plant in indoor greenhouse in early spring, plant outdoors in late spring, weed throughout summer, harvest, prep, and eat.
That passion for nature is a HUGE part of my "program." Weather permitting we get outside for nature walks and exploring daily. I believe with all my heart that kids need to get back to the very basics if at all possible and those that do are blessed for having the opportunity.
Best opportunity to date, they got to watch a doe give birth to a fawn just off the backyard. I never thought I'd ever see anything like that but to watch the kids all marvel at the sight brought tears to my eyes.....
The planet needs kids who grow up with that awareness, respect and joy.
I am definitely Montessori inspired, we are outside and exploring nature daily. I live on 1.5acres, and we go hiking in the woods with trails, play in the dirt and try to be as green as possible. We garden and make (together) fresh foods. In spring we get chicks to raise (and donate to a local farm) every year.
My biggest goal in the next 5 years is to set up a three season outdoor classroom with log benches, tables and chairs, a large mud kitchen area and outdoor music area with natural elements. We planted willow stalks this year for an awning and I have my fingers crossed it grows fast and fills in. The kids LOVE to play there.
My biggest obstacles of course, are time, money and parental support. I have parents that TRULY believe their child CANNOT learn their letters the 'right way' by drawing them in the dirt and that they NEED dittos. (as young as 2!)
littleblossoms 09:37 AM 09-27-2013
very intrested.
Actually i don't have baterry operated toys.
I am now bringing into my daycare real kitchen stuff from my kitchen.
I do alot of planting from seeds with my daycare kids and then taking care of the plant like watering
Actually i don't have baterry operated toys.
I am now bringing into my daycare real kitchen stuff from my kitchen.
I do alot of planting from seeds with my daycare kids and then taking care of the plant like watering
Leanna 09:45 AM 09-27-2013
Very interested. This is the direction I want to continue to go in. I have a pretty good collection of wooden and cloth toys and natural materials and am slowly weeding out plastics. My outdoor area needs a lot of work however.
Ditto on the Legos though
.
Ditto on the Legos though
.
Play Care 10:15 AM 09-27-2013
Originally Posted by Leanna:
Very interested. This is the direction I want to continue to go in. I have a pretty good collection of wooden and cloth toys and natural materials and am slowly weeding out plastics. My outdoor area needs a lot of work however.
Ditto on the Legos though.
Very interested. This is the direction I want to continue to go in. I have a pretty good collection of wooden and cloth toys and natural materials and am slowly weeding out plastics. My outdoor area needs a lot of work however.
Ditto on the Legos though
.
AcornMama 09:51 AM 09-27-2013
Originally Posted by Willow:
We live on near 50 acres out in the country. The property was clear cut long ago for farming but when hubs built the house he started restoring it. Since then, and the three years I've been around we've planted many thousands of trees, dug out the three ponds (and plan to do that again in the next few years), planted large chunks to CRP to restore native prairie grass habitat as well as farm food plots for wildlife (helps our hunting but also supports local deer populations through tough winters. We have an ENORMOUS garden the kids help me plant in indoor greenhouse in early spring, plant outdoors in late spring, weed throughout summer, harvest, prep, and eat.
That passion for nature is a HUGE part of my "program." Weather permitting we get outside for nature walks and exploring daily. I believe with all my heart that kids need to get back to the very basics if at all possible and those that do are blessed for having the opportunity.
Best opportunity to date, they got to watch a doe give birth to a fawn just off the backyard. I never thought I'd ever see anything like that but to watch the kids all marvel at the sight brought tears to my eyes.....
The planet needs kids who grow up with that awareness, respect and joy.
This sounds amazing! I'm trying to give my preschool a similar feel, but with two acres! Even just two acres of wood, daycare parents think it's a great location and atmosphere. I want to get some little wooden tables and workbenches so that we can tinker around with more stuff outdoors.We live on near 50 acres out in the country. The property was clear cut long ago for farming but when hubs built the house he started restoring it. Since then, and the three years I've been around we've planted many thousands of trees, dug out the three ponds (and plan to do that again in the next few years), planted large chunks to CRP to restore native prairie grass habitat as well as farm food plots for wildlife (helps our hunting but also supports local deer populations through tough winters. We have an ENORMOUS garden the kids help me plant in indoor greenhouse in early spring, plant outdoors in late spring, weed throughout summer, harvest, prep, and eat.
That passion for nature is a HUGE part of my "program." Weather permitting we get outside for nature walks and exploring daily. I believe with all my heart that kids need to get back to the very basics if at all possible and those that do are blessed for having the opportunity.
Best opportunity to date, they got to watch a doe give birth to a fawn just off the backyard. I never thought I'd ever see anything like that but to watch the kids all marvel at the sight brought tears to my eyes.....
The planet needs kids who grow up with that awareness, respect and joy.
AcornMama 09:53 AM 09-27-2013
Originally Posted by Willow:
Best opportunity to date, they got to watch a doe give birth to a fawn just off the backyard. I never thought I'd ever see anything like that but to watch the kids all marvel at the sight brought tears to my eyes.....
The planet needs kids who grow up with that awareness, respect and joy.
Oh, and we have two little dwarf goats that my preschoolers LOVE watching. We'll be getting new chicks in the spring as well. Hoping to mesh nature/outdoor learning with homestead/eco-living for little ones. It's not your standard daycare approach, but for the right parents, it's a great fit!Best opportunity to date, they got to watch a doe give birth to a fawn just off the backyard. I never thought I'd ever see anything like that but to watch the kids all marvel at the sight brought tears to my eyes.....
The planet needs kids who grow up with that awareness, respect and joy.
MBF 10:09 AM 09-27-2013
I agree as well, this past year, I have begun to replace plastic toys with wooden and /or homemade things, i am so lucky my father is very handy at woodworking and has made us wonderful things(blocks that we painted, stands with a dowel that he can make people on with painted beads, wooden pretend cameras, to name a few) i am seeing a big difference in imaginative play! also, my mom make us cloth books and play mats, we are so lucky. I would love to see more ideas
Cradle2crayons 10:38 PM 09-27-2013
Originally Posted by Willow:
We live on near 50 acres out in the country. The property was clear cut long ago for farming but when hubs built the house he started restoring it. Since then, and the three years I've been around we've planted many thousands of trees, dug out the three ponds (and plan to do that again in the next few years), planted large chunks to CRP to restore native prairie grass habitat as well as farm food plots for wildlife (helps our hunting but also supports local deer populations through tough winters. We have an ENORMOUS garden the kids help me plant in indoor greenhouse in early spring, plant outdoors in late spring, weed throughout summer, harvest, prep, and eat.
That passion for nature is a HUGE part of my "program." Weather permitting we get outside for nature walks and exploring daily. I believe with all my heart that kids need to get back to the very basics if at all possible and those that do are blessed for having the opportunity.
Best opportunity to date, they got to watch a doe give birth to a fawn just off the backyard. I never thought I'd ever see anything like that but to watch the kids all marvel at the sight brought tears to my eyes.....
The planet needs kids who grow up with that awareness, respect and joy.
We live on near 50 acres out in the country. The property was clear cut long ago for farming but when hubs built the house he started restoring it. Since then, and the three years I've been around we've planted many thousands of trees, dug out the three ponds (and plan to do that again in the next few years), planted large chunks to CRP to restore native prairie grass habitat as well as farm food plots for wildlife (helps our hunting but also supports local deer populations through tough winters. We have an ENORMOUS garden the kids help me plant in indoor greenhouse in early spring, plant outdoors in late spring, weed throughout summer, harvest, prep, and eat.
That passion for nature is a HUGE part of my "program." Weather permitting we get outside for nature walks and exploring daily. I believe with all my heart that kids need to get back to the very basics if at all possible and those that do are blessed for having the opportunity.
Best opportunity to date, they got to watch a doe give birth to a fawn just off the backyard. I never thought I'd ever see anything like that but to watch the kids all marvel at the sight brought tears to my eyes.....
The planet needs kids who grow up with that awareness, respect and joy.
couldn't have said it better myself.We currently have four does with babies on our property and the kids have been watching intently since the first pregnant one showed up is year all alone.
My three sibling set had never seen anything like it. The boy told his granny (who owns a snow cone stand) that he wanted to go work a day to buy treats for the mama dear. He was very proud of himself the day he came to daycare with the deer treats and apple corn he bought.
My kids have always been close to nature because they've grown up in the woods as did I, but seeing my daycare kids come into this life has been interesting to say the least!!
I think a fundamental part of who I am came from growing up in nature. Learning respect for it young.
craftymissbeth 08:46 AM 09-28-2013
I would! I would LOVE to have a calm, all-natural, mostly wood play space both indoors and out. I'm struggling to figure out how my infants and toddlers would fit into a space like that, though. I'm positive it would work, but just don't have a vision of it yet.
Unregistered 09:18 AM 09-27-2013
yes, natural elements
My3cents 11:26 AM 09-27-2013
I am interested but am not going to say that I am going to go all towards that approach. I strive for balance- I do love nature, but I also love modern too
I have been trying to not purchase anything that requires batteries for the daycare- trying. I often will find something at a yard sale and think that it is cool only to find out later it makes noise and actually had a button.
I have been trying to not purchase anything that requires batteries for the daycare- trying. I often will find something at a yard sale and think that it is cool only to find out later it makes noise and actually had a button.
tratliff 09:22 PM 09-27-2013
Interested!
Lyss 10:16 PM 09-27-2013
I'm interested. My program is reggio based but I throw waldorf ideas in too. I don't feel I fit into just one style
I'm a no battery operated toys person and we spend as much time outside as we can. I don't have acreage (jealous of all your space Willow! Beautiful pictures!) but we have a large field the kids can play/explore and DH is a park ranger so we get all kinds of fun natural things brought home from him. We take hikes/nature walks often and once a month in the spring through fall DH does a special nature walk with the DC kids at his park
We're planning to move north a bit from where were are in a few years and there are a few outdoor kinder and elementary schools I've been looking at for DD.
I always like to hear new ideas and what other people are trying!
I'm a no battery operated toys person and we spend as much time outside as we can. I don't have acreage (jealous of all your space Willow! Beautiful pictures!) but we have a large field the kids can play/explore and DH is a park ranger so we get all kinds of fun natural things brought home from him. We take hikes/nature walks often and once a month in the spring through fall DH does a special nature walk with the DC kids at his park
We're planning to move north a bit from where were are in a few years and there are a few outdoor kinder and elementary schools I've been looking at for DD.
I always like to hear new ideas and what other people are trying!
ksmith 09:33 AM 09-28-2013
When I reopen, I'm planning to do a nature-based, reggio inspired preschool program, as well as integrate technology. I want an indoor and outdoor classroom, with most if not all aspects being natural.
01Love01Heart 12:10 PM 09-28-2013
Am I Interested?...wellll...letttsss...seee...hmmmmm. OF COURSE IM INTERESTED! ha-ha. Sounds like tons of fun!!!!
Cradle2crayons 01:22 PM 09-28-2013
Here's two of our mamas and their babies. They were playing in this picture. This is right outside my master bedroom window in the front of the house.
Right behind them is my driveway.
Right behind them is my driveway.
Attached:
image.jpg (123.1 KB)
Heidi 01:44 PM 09-28-2013
Originally Posted by Cradle2crayons:
Here's two of our mamas and their babies. They were playing in this picture. This is right outside my master bedroom window in the front of the house.
Right behind them is my driveway.
Cute new avatar! I love little gray kitties...Here's two of our mamas and their babies. They were playing in this picture. This is right outside my master bedroom window in the front of the house.
Right behind them is my driveway.
Cradle2crayons 02:06 PM 09-28-2013
Originally Posted by Heidi:
Cute new avatar! I love little gray kitties...
Thanks. That's mr. Noodles.Cute new avatar! I love little gray kitties...
Here's a cute one. Off topic, I apologize. These are my FIVE MONTH old kittens, long weaned, "nursing" on daddy nib nibs. He lets them do this all the time... Sigh... They are dysfunctional....
Attached:
image.jpg (134.7 KB)
Heidi 06:50 PM 09-28-2013
Originally Posted by Cradle2crayons:
Thanks. That's mr. Noodles.
Here's a cute one. Off topic, I apologize. These are my FIVE MONTH old kittens, long weaned, "nursing" on daddy nib nibs. He lets them do this all the time... Sigh... They are dysfunctional....
Mr Noodles....I LOVE Mr. Noodles! I miss him so...Thanks. That's mr. Noodles.
Here's a cute one. Off topic, I apologize. These are my FIVE MONTH old kittens, long weaned, "nursing" on daddy nib nibs. He lets them do this all the time... Sigh... They are dysfunctional....
Seriously, those cat's may need some counseling, though...
nothingwithoutjoy 09:19 PM 09-28-2013
Originally Posted by Heidi:
In incorporating aspects of any of this into their programs?
-Reggio Emilia
-Natural elements
-Nature hikes, outdoor programs, forest "kindergarten" type stuff
-Waldorf
They are all sort of intertwined, and I see a big movement happening where more of us are trying to live more naturally, or teach more naturally, or offer more wood vs. plastic, natural colors, less electronics, etc.
Can we get a list of people who are interested? If so, maybe we could ask Michael to start a section for sharing links, ideas, etc.?
That's me. :-)In incorporating aspects of any of this into their programs?
-Reggio Emilia
-Natural elements
-Nature hikes, outdoor programs, forest "kindergarten" type stuff
-Waldorf
They are all sort of intertwined, and I see a big movement happening where more of us are trying to live more naturally, or teach more naturally, or offer more wood vs. plastic, natural colors, less electronics, etc.
Can we get a list of people who are interested? If so, maybe we could ask Michael to start a section for sharing links, ideas, etc.?
Heidi 07:44 AM 09-29-2013
Originally Posted by nothingwithoutjoy:
That's me. :-)
I know! We will all be looking to you for guidance, I think!That's me. :-)
nothingwithoutjoy 03:13 PM 09-29-2013
Originally Posted by Heidi:
I know! We will all be looking to you for guidance, I think!
Gee, thanks. (blush). I know! We will all be looking to you for guidance, I think!
:-)