Welcome to Nature’s kids
Welcome to Nature’s Kids, NSF’s new monthly Blog. We have lots to review, and news to
share, and pictures galore.
October 2024
Visit by Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC) 2024 conference members
We were honored to host the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC) 2024 conference members for a special tour of our outdoor learning environment. TXAEYC “is a community of early childhood educators and professionals dedicated to supporting and promoting high-quality learning in Texas.”
It was inspiring to share our commitment to nature-based education and to see such enthusiasm for creating spaces where children can learn, explore, and connect with the natural world. We had meaningful conversations about how we can continue to support young leaders’ growth in outdoor settings.
After the tour, Dr. Sandra Duncan, a conference member, and attendee, sent us a special e-mail. We look forward to building on the ideas we exchanged and continuing to nurture curiosity and wonder in the great outdoors.
In late October, Dr. Duncan returned for a second visit with Lukas Ritson. Lukas is a trailblazer in creating play environments that ignite children’s curiosity, creativity, and confidence. His design philosophy emphasizes the importance of adventure in childhood, crafting spaces that not only support physical play but also nurture emotional and social growth. Through his work, Lukas has touched the lives of tens of thousands of children across Australia and internationally.
Mommy And Me Classes
The Mommy and Me class, for children under 3 years of age, held an “Ooey, Gooey Halloween” sensory class. It was monstrous fun. (picture) Moms with young children (under 3) may join in the monthly fun. Please check our website, under “Mommy and Me” for the informational link.
Miss Marla’s first through fifth-grade classes are reading “The Birchbox House”
The first of what will be a nine-book series, taking place over one hundred years in the life of one Ojibwe family the challenges they face, and how their lives are changed forever.
The children focused on “open-mindedness”. Being open-minded means embracing a mindset that welcomes diversity, values, and different perspectives, and is eager to grow through new experiences. An open-minded individual critically appreciates their own culture, traditions, and personal history, while being equally respectful and curious about the values and practices of others. They actively seek to understand viewpoints different from their own and are willing to challenge their assumptions and learn from these encounters.
Miss Stephanie and Ms. Catherine’s classes studied the Moon and the Stars
Children learned about the Moon’s phases, the Stars in the night sky, and how these celestial objects help us to understand our universe. Open-mindedness helps children see the world through a lens of curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions and to think beyond what they already know.
This is an important part of learning, allowing children to embrace new ideas and possibilities.
The class time encouraged children to be open-minded as they think about the night sky. Why does the Moon look different on certain nights? What can we learn from the Stars? By keeping an open mind, children can explore new ways of understanding the world around them.
Home Activity: you can explore a “Moon and Stars watch” with your children. On a clear night, spend a few minutes with your children looking up at the sky together. Ask your child to observe the shape of the Moon and count how many Stars they see. Encourage them to think creatively by asking:
“Why do you think the Moon changes shape? What do you think is happening in the sky right now? The children also learned about the sun’s role in nature and how it influences life on Earth.
● The Sun provides light
● The Sun warms the earth for plants, animals, and people to live
● The Sun helps plants grow
● The Sun’s energy causes weather patterns, including wind, rain, and clouds
● The Sun causes seasons to change. The tilt of the earth’s axis, along with The sun’s heat, creates different seasons - spring, summer, fall and winter
● The Sun is a natural source of energy.
Here are some amazing facts about the Sun that your children may not know.
The Sun is technically a dwarf star because of its size. But don’t be fooled by the word “dwarf”— the Sun is pretty big. It’s huge compared to Earth. However, in the world of stars, the Sun is considered small to medium-sized.
The Sun is 4.6 billion years old It takes eight minutes for the Sun's light to reach Earth.
The Sun is 93 million miles from Earth.
The Sun holds our entire solar system together.
And Other News
Our back-to-school picnic hosted 200 children and families. We had a beautiful day to celebrate the start of a new school year.
● Trunk or Treat was a spooktacular day for approximately 40 children. Many thanks to the parents and children for their awesome vehicle decorations, engaging costumes, games, and goodies.
● World Teacher Day was celebrated in October.
We are very appreciative of our teachers and assistant teachers for their care, and compassion, and for enlightening the minds of your (and ours) wonderful children.
● School pictures were taken and should be ready soon.
● NSF donated 360 pounds of food to a local food pantry. Together we are creating a positive impact and truly appreciate our students’ families. Their kindness and support make a significant difference to our community.
● Together, with Paul Ballesteius of Emmanuel Labor, we are asking for clean, gently used adult coats for donation purposes. Coats can be dropped off at school. Thank you.
● New! Nature School Parent Book Club coming in January 2025.
On Thursday, January 16th from 6:30-8:00 pm we are hosting Nature School’s first parent book club, led by Kelly Hebert (Gigi’s Mom, from the Cottage).
Depending on the number of folks interested this will be offered every four to six weeks. The book for January is “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
This book offers a beautiful and scientific approach to fostering an appreciation for the natural world with your children. Please text your RSVP to Kelly directly at 312-221-7040. She will send more detailed information, including discussion topics, closer to the event.
● Have you heard NSF has chickens? Mr. Winston built a pretty awesome coop. A big thank you to Cheyanne for donating her family’s chickens.
Caring for chickens can teach children a variety of lessons, both practical and character-building, for example:
- Responsibility
- Empathy and Compassion
- Hard Work and Patience
- Respect for Nature and the Environment
- Problem Solving Skills
- Self-Confidence
- Independence
- Leadership
- And more
To summarize, caring for chickens is a wonderful opportunity for children to gain life skills, develop a strong work ethic, and foster a deep understanding of animals, nature, and the world around them.
● Fairview Fire Department were kind enough to vosot with us. Children had a wonderful time as the firefighters showed them around the firetruck.
That’s it for October highlights.
Happy Thanksgiving!