Drew is in 4th, Nora is in 2nd. 2014! It’s been almost three years since the last post. Two years ago I started working full time. Go figure! We went to Hocking HIlls for spring break – this is a pic from the trip.
New Programs Coming Soon
For now, we are not meeting but plan to again in the future. We are currently looking into new sites and hope to move closer into the city. Please check back for information on new Waldkindergarten Inc. programs.
August 2009
How can a summer be so busy and so lazy at the same time? I don’t know but this summer has been very relaxed out on the farm. We have been fortunate to have beautiful weather and could probably stay out there all day!
The big news is that our boys are graduating, off to school they go. I am so glad they spent time in nature and , I think this experience will be one they look back on with great memories. I also know that the skills they have obtained out on the farm (negotiation, acclimation, sharing, self-control, community building, self-confidence and of course a developed sense of wonder) will take them far.
Goodbye boys, we must make it a point to continue to be outside!
You will be missed!
July 2, 2009
Great day today, time for a photo dump!
Log climbing
The Forest Boys made a "nature teter-toter". Smart kids!
The boys found these babies.
Pirates hoisting a log into the ocean. (Really!)
June 18th, 2009
Because of the rain we combined groups today and headed up to the barn loft. After climbing not one but two ladders with lots of little ones, we cozied in and played games, told stories, and had a wonderful picnic complete with linens. (Okay it was an old sheet but it felt pretty fancy to us.) It was really nice to get to know the younger kids a bit more and I know the older ones enjoyed spending the day with Amy. The kids did REALLY well for being in a tight space for so long. I suppose a chicken or two wandering in and out helps reninforce the “magic” of spending time in a hay loft. Special thanks to Farmer Mike for potty break excursions!
June 2, 2009
With temperatures lower than normal and full sun, the weather really was beautiful today. The boys had a great time digging holes for treasure, walking the downed tree plank and heaving REALLY long limbs into the creek. I guess they were in a pirate mood today! I also introduced the “Sit Spot” today. This is a practice of sitting still and using all of our senses to really “get to know” our surroundings in a more intimate way. This comes from the outdoor curriculum guide, “The Coyote Guide”. More to come about this wonderful outdoor curriculum.
I hope you will encourage the sit spot at home. It can be any simple spot in the yard or park or wilderness that you go to often to sit and be still. Of course we wouldn’t want to force this but by simply mentioning it, you can help me reinforce this wonderful nature practice. (Even better you could model it! I know you all have so much time to go out and just sit:).)
Nature Rocks Web Site
http://www.naturerocks.org/why-nature-rocks.aspx
I just took a peak at this new web site and guess who is on it, Waldkindergarten Inc.! It is related to the Children and Nature website which we are registered on.
It looks to be a great site, pointing one in the direction of all things nature. Check it out!
May 21, 2001
Sheep in field.
- Crossing the bridge.
The solstice is not here yet but as far as I am concerned it is officially summer here in Indiana. Clues that the new season is upon us include stinging nettle, poison ivy and mosquitoes. Although these are all annoying discomforts, they do lend a valuable teaching tool for overcoming the not so pretty side of nature. One of our boys got quite a bit of stinging nettle on his poor little face but it did not slow him down a bit. In fact as soon as Miss Judy got some lotion on him, he was running back to the pasture to continue his explorations and play. The other boys attacked stinging nettle plants with sticks while waiting for his return. (Don’t mess with a Forest Boy!) As summer gets underway, I hope summons the same patience the boys seem to naturally have with all the itchy things around us.
- A boy and a dog.
Creek Stomping
We had visitors on the farm(customers of Hoosier Organic Connection) one of them being Ernie Mills of Noblesville who took these great pictures for us, Thanks!!
May 14, 2009
I feel so fortunate to be a part of this outdoor program. Unlike many jobs I’ve had, I always feel refreshed after our Thursday date with nature. Sometimes children can really deplete my energy, but outside their screams get carried off in the wind and their genuine awe of the small wonders around us is infectious. When outside with the Forest Boys, my energy reserves seems to fill back up.
A lovely day on the farm, we spent most of it playing “like we are in the olden days”, throwing bark boats in the rushing, high creek and tending on sunflowers, chickens and dogs.
Forest Boys in action
Taking care of Blitzen
Grass Hunters
This Forest Boy discovered FUNGI!
May 7, 2009
After being away from the farm for two weeks, we were glad to get back this week. We had two surprises, new real steps up the bank on the river (thanks Goss family) and a new robins nest complete with three blue eggs is nestled right above our picnic table. Our sunflowers have sprouted and are on their way. The circle I invisioned is more like a cluster but I think will be fun anyway. The creek was really high and is still off limits for playing in. I can’t wait for the day that getting in the creek is off the list of “things you can not do”.
This picture is an oldie but a goodie. I love the look of our Forest Boy friend holding that chicken. He lives in the big city (Indianapolis) and tells everyone he is going to his “vacation home” when he comes up to the farm:).
Waldkindergarten Inc. 