Forest Education has been one of my strong passions since I became a herbalist.
With my education background, I felt that the nature school is perfect place to be. I taught preschool program at Saplings Outdoor Program in West Vancouver in 2022.
I received many questions on what the forest program is like from people around me so I'm sharing my experience here!
We started our day with land acknowledgement and thanking the forest for letting us learn and play!
Our program focused on helping the students re-connect the natural world and learning from them together. We all were so happy all day! I realized that my students were emotionally stable all the time I can say. They were pretty good at self regulating in the natural environment. There was only a few minor conflicts or a very little challenges in the group dynamics. The outdoor program also helps them build their confidence, resilience and a sense of community. Their social skills were incredibly high - they would help each other, and help me carrying materials and clearning etc. We were outside all day in spring and summer. In winter, we still spent majority of time outside except when we had extreme weather. My location had indoor access - a space in the community centre and used it as needed.
Our daily activities included sit spot, plant identification and uses, indigenous people's story, park ranger, building and arts with natural materials including Mandala. One of our favorite things was finding sea glasses at the beach.
I felt a strong sense of community during my time at Saplings. Parents were so supportive and actively involved. Commuity professionals such as firefighters gave us a tour at the fire station, golf course people showed us around when it's quiet. Neighbours would remember my students and play harmonica for them on a walk.....
Engaging with nature with my amazing children and making new connections brought so much joy and love to my life!
I can talk about my experience in forest education all day! I absolutely loved it! Saplings was such a perfect place to be as well. The school was non-biased, welcoming and filled with uplifting vibes! Who knows? We may open a new location on Salt spring one day!
Photos with consents from the lovely parents.
