Three Pines Outdoor and Nature Play

What if we didn’t put the sticks down?

There’s so much more happening here than simply playing with sticks.

Watch closely.

They’re running, carrying sticks and completely immersed in their play. But look at the awareness happening too.

They’re noticing one another.
They’re creating space.
They’re adjusting their movements.
They’re respecting the boundaries and expectations we’ve built together. ✨️

As an educator, I love moments like this because they remind me that risky play doesn’t mean anything goes.

👉 There are boundaries. There is guidance. There is observation.

👉 And most importantly, there are opportunities to practice.

💚 Risk doesn’t automatically mean injury, and risky play doesn’t automatically mean an incident report.

✨️✨️✨️ When children are given repeated opportunities to navigate manageable risks, they get to practise spatial awareness, communication, decision-making, self-regulation and consideration for others.

Sometimes I step in.
Sometimes I offer a reminder.
And sometimes I get to stand back and see what they already know.

They’re not playing without boundaries.

They’re showing me they understand them. 💚

And maybe that’s what we miss when our first response is, “Put the stick down.”

📌 Educators, what do you notice when you watch this play unfold?

Shawnee Evergreen Community Association Play in the Park happening today at 150 Shawnee Blvd from 1 pm - 2:30 pm! We have games, snacks, drinks and music! Connect with neighbors and have some fun with the community! Hope to see you there 😊

Looking forward to connecting with the Calgary SW community this August 🌿

Last year, my consultant gifted me this learning story, Curiosity in Motion.

I still find myself coming back to it.

Sometimes we're so focused on what's next that we forget to pause and reflect on how far we've come. Reading these words reminds me why I do what I do and the kind of space I hope to create each day for the children at Three Pines.

Thank you, Sam Campbell for seeing me, encouraging me, and capturing my journey in such a meaningful way. Your words continue to inspire and guide me.

To every child and family who has been part of Three Pines, thank you for your trust, your support, and for allowing me to be a small part of your journey. I am truly grateful for each and every one of you.

I am incredibly thankful for this path and for the opportunity to continue learning, growing, and exploring alongside so many wonderful children and families. 🌿🤎

Some of you might remember our Saturday Nature Series from last year.

I'm so grateful to everyone who joined us and made it such a wonderful experience 💚

This fall, I'm excited to bring it back with a brand-new 4-week Saturday series.

I can't wait to share more with you soon!

Dragonflies. Butterflies. Red ladybugs.

And now... this beautiful black-and-white lady beetle. 🐞

Over the years, I've had so many little visitors choose to land on me. Today, this tiny beauty decided my sunglasses were the perfect place to rest.

The kiddos were absolutely amazed! We gathered around to take a closer look, and it sparked so many questions. This was the first time any of us had ever seen a black-and-white lady beetle.

✨️ Did you know?
Not all ladybugs are red with black spots. There are thousands of species of lady beetles around the world, and they come in many different colours and patterns. Like their red cousins, they're also helpful insects that feed on tiny garden pests like aphids.

One of my favourite things about spending our days outdoors is that we never know what we'll discover next. Every hike, every park, and every adventure brings the opportunity to notice something we've never seen before.

Nature always has a way of surprising us. 💚

Why I love what I do. 💚

I've walked this trail for many years with many different groups of children, and every single visit has brought something new to discover.

One child notices a wildflower.

Another stops to listen to the birds.

Someone fills pages of a nature journal.

Someone else is completely captivated by the creek.

That's the beauty of slowing down.

When children are given the time and space to explore, learning unfolds naturally. Curiosity leads the way, questions emerge, confidence grows, and every child connects with nature in their own unique way.

These moments may look simple, but they're building observation skills, problem-solving, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

That's why I love what I do. Every walk reminds me that some of the most meaningful learning happens when we slow down, wonder, and let children lead the way. 🌿💚