Winter Nature School at Fanshawe Conservation Area (UTRCA Weekly, January 21, 2022)
Community Education staff are excited to once again offer their outdoor Nature School program at Fanshawe Conservation Area. This nature-based, outdoor education program was first offered in the fall of 2021 in response to the pandemic and it has returned thanks to its popularity.
Fanshawe Nature School takes place in a beautiful forest where staff created different areas including a “Gathering Spot” where the Opening and Closing Circles are held. Other free play areas included an outdoor kitchen, an obstacle course made out of logs and rocks, a natural loose parts area, an area for the creation of nature-inspired art, and “The Nest”- a cozy shelter with blankets and books.
Children aged two to five years, along with an accompanying adult, can participate in the Owls and Owlets program on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 am.
Children aged 5 to 8 years can participate in the Sparrows program on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
Nature School is land-based education centred on giving children access to the same outdoor space over an extended period of time so that they can build a relationship with the land. Children have the opportunity to learn and grow through play and exploration outdoors with educators who support inquiry-based learning led by and inspired by the children.
Julie Read, Community Education Supervisor, shared about the following about the program, “Our first session of Fanshawe Nature School was fantastic! Caregivers expressed how happy they were to be involved in a program where their children could be outside in nature and have so many opportunities to express their natural curiosity and engage in free play. While staff offered invitations for the children each week, like songs, stories and different materials, it was wonderful to see the participants develop their own ideas about what was possible during Nature School and deepen their imaginative play and nature observation skills as the weeks progressed. One child said ‘I wish Nature School was every day!’, which to us, is the most positive feedback of all!”