Nanaimo Forest School Cooperative

Who doesn't love snails!

With a day of rain, out came some eager snails to join in the forest camp festivities. Snail races were shared with cheers and winner, plus some fun clay snail crafts to take home. It was a glorious day connecting in the forest with our wee little slimy snail friends. 🐌🐌🐌🐌

Summer has arrived and our first summer camps kicked off last week with an inquiry on fairies and their homes.
A wonderful book by Tracy Kane called "Fairy Homes" came alive as we dived into some fun play.

We started by exploring the forest spaces and where we could create homes that were inviting. Add details like soft grass beds or berries for them to eat.
It was a beautiful week of curiosity and imagination in full bloom! 🧚‍♀️✨️🌲🏠

(Here is a link for the story read out loud)
https://youtu.be/KGh9WzM-J24?feature=shared

From the middle of May into early June, we have had the opportunity to witness some truly amazing moments in our forest classroom. A mama hummingbird created her nest close by, along with a sweet little grey gnatcatcher who we also stumbled upon in the area.

The children have approached these discoveries with curiosity, gentleness, and a deep sense of wonder. They have been eager to learn what birds use to build their nests, what types of birds are around us, and how we can share the forest while respectfully giving space to our bird friends.

These moments remind us that the forest is always offering invitations to slow down, notice, and build relationships with the natural world around us. 🌿🐦

Learning to sit quietly with the plants and create space for dialogue on what it is the children are experiencing.

"My fern says hello friend"

"I can hear the birds"

- Look at where you are, what do you see?
What do you hear?
What do you feel?

Learning to pause and be present with nature 🌲🐦🦋☀️✨️

What happens when risky play is supported?

When moments like these are offered to a child it gives them an opportunity to build confidence, coordination in their bodies, learn to assess their surroundings, build up resilience in themselves, understand their bodies limits and learn to problem-solve.

Tree climbing creates space for children to flourish in whole body movements, mind, and imagination.
✨️🌲🌳✨️

Come on out and learn about the local plants in Bowen Park this Thursday 3pm–5pm afternoon plant walk along the Millstone River in Bowen Park with local plant knowledge keepers Nancy Turner and Snuneymuxw Elder C'tasi:a Geraldine Manson. See all details below :)

Our team wants to grow – WE ARE HIRING!
🌲​ 📯🌲​ 🔎​🌲 💚​ 🌲
To see what awaits the lucky person and what skills we are looking for check out our job description on indeed:

https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=7d10e0a953486cb3&from=shareddesktop_copy

🌲​ 📯🌲​ 🔎​🌲 💚​ 🌲
Please feel free to share with your network.
Thank you.