Check out our Forest & Nature School fun for all ages! All programs in partnership with Explore Nature!
Caregiver & Tot & Preschooler FOREST PROGRAMS:
Winter 2023 – Forest & Nature Caregiver & Tot Class: Open to children 2-4 years old to attend with a caregiver. Wednesday, January 18 to Wednesday, March 1 (7 weeks) 9am – 11:30am – $225 + HST Help your children grow their natural curiosity and imagination. Each week together with your little one we will explore the wonders of the forest and nature. Children will have a chance to learn through experience, and grow their love of nature and the outdoors.
WEEKDAY School Age WINTER 2023 FOREST PROGRAMS:
(This is a drop-off program that children attend independently.)
Forest School – Outdoor Education Program: Open to children 4-8 years old. Monday January 16 to Monday March 6(7 weeks) 10am – 3pm – (No class February 20 due to Family Day) 10am – 3pm – $490
Forest School – Outdoor Education Program: Open to children 4-8 years old. Wednesday January 17 to Wednesday March 8(8 weeks) 10am – 3pm – $560
Forest School – Outdoor Education Program: Open to children 4-8 years old. Thursday January 18 to Thursday March 9(8 weeks) 10am – 3pm – $560
Forest School – Outdoor Education Program: Open to children 4-8 years old. Friday January 20 to Monday March 10(7 weeks) 10am – 3pm – (No class February 17 due to PA Day) – $490
Open to children 4 to 8 years old to attend independently. This program allows our young learners to experience the outdoors and nature. The programs take place outside – rain or shine, we will use our indoor space at Pawsitively Pets in extreme weather and for a portion of each day for some of our animal programs.
All of our programs are created with the concept of experiential learning, exploring our curiosity for nature and the natural world. Working with our experienced team of outdoor educators children will connect with nature and living things, spending our day outside exploring the world around them. This is a unique experience that is difficult to achieve in conventional learning environments.
Homeschoolers – WINTER 2023 FOREST PROGRAMS:
Forest & Nature Homeschooler Program: Open to children 4-10 years old to attend with a caregiver. Tuesday, January 17 to Tuesday February 28 1pm – 230pm – $105 + HST. Join your child in an adventure of exploring their love of the outdoors, science and nature. Each week we will head out on a new adventure.
CLICK HERE to register!
Program Overview:
“Children and youth should have the opportunity to play and learn in forests, parks, meadows, and mud puddles” (Outdoor Play Canada, 2018).
Outdoor learning at Pawsitively Pets embraces pawsitivity and connection. Our outdoor exploration will strengthen and build upon our understanding of these values.
Pawsitivity and connection with ourselves – Students will be encouraged and reminded to check in with themselves, asking questions like, how am I feeling? If I’m thirsty, should I be getting out my water bottle and having a drink of water? If I’m too warm, should I take off my jacket and keep it safely in my backpack until I need it again? Is what I am doing making me feel happy and secure? Should I tell my teacher that I need a washroom break?
Pawsitivity and connection with others – Relationship building is invaluable for every child and everyone. Connectedness to others and contributing as a group and a community enhances children and families’ sense of belonging (Ministry of Education, 2014). Inclusivity is paramount. Every child will be welcomed, included, listened to, and appreciated for their viewpoint and individuality. We will be exploring and learning together.
Pawsitivity and connection with nature – As we respect ourselves and others, so too we respect nature. Kindness and gratitude to nature is an essential element of outdoor learning. Each day we meet, we will strive to become responsible and exceptional stewards of our environment; learning about and taking good care of the plants, trees and animals around us.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” -Prominent fell walker and outdoor writer, Alfred Wainwright
We will be outside each day, exploring all manner of the outdoor environment. The ground will be our table and chairs, our feet will travel through grass and rocks and dirt and mud, our hands will explore leaves and sticks and trees and pine cones and mini-beasts and more!
Here are some tips about dressing your child for the weather:
- Check the weather forecast the night before!
- Waterproof boots or close-toed, comfortable shoes for non-rainy days.
- Rain jacket, splash pants (an umbrella serves two purposes on a rainy day: shelter from the rain as well as a social distancing visual!)
- Sun hat (remember to apply sunscreen on those sunny days!)
Backpacks and what to pack
Students are responsible for carrying their own backpacks, so weight and comfort are important considerations. Don’t worry! …not only will we be taking frequent breaks throughout our adventuring each day, staff will be responsible for pulling a trolley which will be used exclusively for student’s lunchboxes.
Backpacks should include:
- A change of clothes (extra shirt, shorts/pants, underpants, socks
- Easy-to-open snacks (nut-free and portable)
- 500ml. filled water bottle (or more)
- Face mask, hand sanitizer and/or hand wipes, sunscreen (weather dependent)
If outdoor learning is a new experience for you, and you have more questions and would like to speak to someone please don’t hesitate to contact the office at 416 901 4776 and ask to speak to Jennifer.
CLICK HERE to register.