1. WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?
Forest and Nature schools are places where a great deal of learning occurs, but not in desks! Our programming takes place out in nature as we learn about nature. This type of learning doesn’t have a curriculum….it is child led. Meaning the Children’s vast interests, curiosities, and wonders guides our day, activities, and the topics of learning that day.
2. WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF THE OUTDOORS ON CHILDREN?
Going outdoors is widely acclaimed as being one of the best things you can do for ones health (mental, physical, spiritual).
Children who go outside and have child-led, unstructured free time, on a regular basis have increased resilience, ability to regulate behaviour, better motor skills, and an increased ability to focus.
3. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN THE WEATHER IS BAD?
We don’t really believe in “bad” weather, just different learning opportunities! we may have to change what we wear, but yes, out we go! While we do intend to carry on with every session, we still feel very strongly that it must be both safe and enjoyable for our participants. With that said you will be notified of a canceled session due to dangerous weather, such as a storm, strong wind/wind chill, or -20.
4. ARE SESSIONS EVER CANCELED?
If in the event that we need to cancel due to an Academy in the Wild staffing issue, we will add on an extra date to the end of the program, or offer a refund for that day. To make up for the lost session. This is determined at time of cancelation by Academy in the Wild.
5. IS BEING OUTSIDE RISKY AND DANGEROUS?
In short, no….not with good planning. We do a thorough site risk assessment before every program and In fact, by allowing children to experience age and skill appropriate risky play, we hope to teach them how to manage their own risk. With our strong policies of risk management, we hope to never experience an emergency. However, as we are trained in both standard first aid as well as remote first aid minor medical needs will be dealt with onsite. If larger emergencies occur EMS will be contacted, parents notified, and our emergencies procedures followed.
6. WHAT DO WE BRING TO A SESSION?
Everyone will get parent handbook emailed to them when they register with a “what to wear/bring” sections. This involves things like closed toe shoes, water bottle, hat, a jacket, snack, waterproofing outer-layer…etc.
7. WHERE DO WE GO TO THE BATHROOM DURING A SESSION?
We are big fans of the “tree wee”! We do ask that you take your children to the bathroom before coming just to minimize bathroom needs.
Please ensure your child is fully potty trained before enrolling in our sessions.
8. WHAT TRAINING AND SKILLS DO THE INSTRUCTORS HAVE?
Check out our bios on the meet us page. We each bring our own unique sets of talents to our sessions that allow us to make use of teachable moments and provide guidance and support where needed. All educators have up to date criminal record checks, as well as Red Cross first aid certificates/CPR as a minimum.
9. MY CHILD HAS ADDITIONAL NEEDS (SUCH AS ASD, ADHD, ODD) WILL YOUR SESSIONS BE SUITABLE?
The beauty and brilliance of Forest School is that it is child-led. Other than our initial safety briefing and “tool rules”, children require very little direction or instruction from Forest School Leaders. The learning environment that we create is guided by the child’s natural rhythm rather than rigid structure. ALL children thrive in this kind of learning environment.
We can also work closely with your child and their care giver (if they have one) at their first session to work out what feels comfortable and safe. We ask that you list any strategies and additional notes into their Medical Needs when booking. We also suggest arriving early to discuss strategies and needs with the Session Facilitator/Forest School Leader.
10. DO YOU HAVE ANY RULES?
Not so much rules as there are boundaries,
Boundaries of the woodland are established with the children through activities and games, making the boundary memorable. This also allows us to consider the child’s own ‘risk thermometer’ as part of the learning process. These activities take place at the beginning to ensure all participants (new and regular) are informed. Our number one concern is striving to create a space that is safe for all our children at Academy in the Wild.
The 3 things we tell our children is to respect yourself, respect others and listen to your bodies (for risky play). We have a strict no violence and no swearing policy so that all children feel safe both physically and emotionally. We understand young children are run by heightened emotions and might lash out unintentionally from time to time, With that being said we do give a warning, however if violence or swearing does continue after warning/s we will have to excuse that child from our program. We assess these situations on a basis to basis.
11. DO YOU OFFER SIBLING DISCOUNTS?
We definitely encourage siblings to come! When enrolling 2-3 children from same family, 50$-120$ off total will automatically be applied.
You can always email us as well to see if we can work something out to meet your financial restrictions.
12. HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY CHILDREN LIKE FOREST SCHOOL?
While some children may have an adjustment period. For the most part, you can tell by the sparkle in their eyes, the dirt on their face, the discussions at the supper table, the feeling of well being after a session and the freedom and excitement about new discoveries and learning of a new skill will be wonderful indicators. We can’t wait for you to join us to find out!
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