Nature

As the owner and teacher at a preschool located in a country setting,  I have observed the benefits and wonders of nature for Preschoolers. Children who experience nature and an outdoor learning environment will find this contributes to their healthy development. With our children having access to modern technology, there is little time in their lives to connect with the multitude of delights of creation As an educator, I ensure that the children who attend my countrypreschoo

It’s time to get in touch with nature with these nature activities! Research shows that young children derive a range of benefits from having access to nature. A young children’s relationship with nature is vital for their overall development, including better concentration, motor co-ordination, co-operative, social play and opportunities to feel connected to the larger universe of living things.  Here are some ideas: Collect pine cones to form pine cone mazes for your child

Nature based schools are gaining great interest with modern, working parents. This trend has grown over 800 percent since 2012. Nature based preschools with daily exposure to nature has proven to be a vital element in early education for young children. Our Montessori preschool positioned in a beautiful, tranquil, country setting, with weekly nature walks, brings our children much joy! Guess what? Last week we noticed two white eyed owls in the school parking lot! The extract

Written by Julia Gorham “I grow plants for many reasons: to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow.” David Hobson I bought an acre property in Bryanston in 2000. With beautiful tall trees and vast open spaces, due to all the plants in the garden being removed by the previous owner. It was dry, alone and crying out in desperate need of loving care. Up

Written by Julia Gorham The outdoors is the very best place for Preschoolers to practice and master emerging physical skills. It is in the outdoors that children can fully and freely experience motor skills like running, leaping, and jumping. It is also the most appropriate area for the practice of ball-handling skills, like throwing, catching, and striking. Children can perform other such manipulative skills as pushing a swing, pulling a wagon, and lifting and carrying mov

By Julia Gorham Tree rubbings are a great way to explore the garden or a park with your child, allowing them to experience the patterns of different textures from trees. The Fields Montessori children loved this nature activity. You will need: Pieces of white paper Different coloured, long thick crayons, with crayon paper removed Large trees To do: Take your child into your garden or for a special outing to the park Place a piece of paper over the bark of the tree Ask your

My children beg me daily to play these outside games. Great fun! They are “Hide and Seek” and “Wolfie, Wolfie, what’s the time?” Hide and Seek A park or garden with trees and shrubs is an ideal setting or you can also play this game inside. Ask your child to hide. Closing your eyes, count slowly from 1 -10 and afterwards say “ Coming ready or not?” Look around saying “ Where is ….?” “ I wonder where .. is hiding?” “ Is ….. here?”, ” No”, “Oh no, Oh no” , “Where, can he be?”

By Julia Gorham “Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” Kay Redfield Jamison. Play is the most valuable way that that children learn. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them. Maria M

As the owner and teacher at a preschool located in a country setting, I have observed the benefits and wonders of nature for Preschoolers. Children who experience nature and an outdoor learning environment will find this contributes to their healthy development. With our children having access to modern technology, there is little time in their lives to connect with the multitude of delights of creation As an educator, I ensure that the children who attend my country presc

Young children love growing seeds and bulbs indoors, and you don’t need a lot to get started.   Simply use an empty egg carton as your seed tray, fill each compartment with potting mix,      and plant your seeds.   Bean seeds and grass seeds grow quickly, so children get results before they lose interest.

A vegetable patch will teach your child ownership, responsibility and how to care for plants. Plant your vegetable patch with your child. Pick a sunny location with good soil. Discuss where it will  be, what vegetables will be planted and how your child will care for the plants. Vegetable the patch You will need: Small spade Compost Seeds Water Plant vegetables seeds that are easy for your child to grow and pick. Recommended vegetables: Lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, carrots o