Waldkinder International School of Basel Kindergarten Christina Scott

Outline What is Waldkinder? Why we have the Program What we do Curriculum Connections The Benefits of Nature Getting Started

Objectives To promote biophilia (the love of other living systems) in children To promote the outdoors as a learning environment and give curricular connections To use the environment to promote the PYP’s (Primary Years Program) skills and attitudes

What is Waldkinder? Literally translated as “Forest Children”, Wood Kindergartens began in the 1950s in Denmark and Sweden, 1968 in Germany. In the woods, the children are able to experience the world first- hand. Children are able to make connections and Biophilia (the love of nature) opposed to Biophobia (a fear of nature) can be instilled.

“If children's natural attraction to nature is not given opportunities to flourish during their early years of life, biophobia, an aversion to nature may develop.” Randy White Biophilia

“Unless we are willing to encourage our children to reconnect with and appreciate the natural world, we can't expect them to help protect and care for it.” David Suzuki

" When children become truly engaged with the natural world at a young age, the experience is likely to stay with them in a powerful way - shaping their subsequent environmental path." Nancy Wells

Our Program Weekly visits to the woods for an afternoon Free exploration and planned activities Experiences are then shared in the classroom

Our Essential Agreements We behave in a manner which keeps ourselves and our classmates safe When a whistle is blown we must stop immediately/ freeze We follow directions given by the teachers to keep us safe Note: If any child’s behaviour puts him/herself (or others) in danger they will not be able to accompany the class on the next visit. They will remain in school with one of the other kindergarten classes.

Transdisciplinary Skills Formulating Questions, Observing Research Acquisition of Knowledge Thinking Listening, Speaking, Writing Communication Accepting Responsibility, Respecting Each Other and Nature Social Safety, Fine and Gross Motor Skills Self- Management

“Kids needs to mess up nature, just a little, and they need to participate. ” E.O Wilson

We are Explorers

We are Inquirers

Ants’ homes A small animal’s home Made by slugs Made from hammering nails into it Made by bees, bumblebees or wasps Made by a caterpillar Made by a millipede Made by snails Made by tiny frogs Made by worms Made by a dog with its nails Made by a cat with its nails We Hypothesize Perhaps the Holes were:

We Construct New Meaning Research in books Make observationsAsk an Expert After cutting the wood we found many ants! Mr. Kristopeit (Mr. K) came in and talked with us about Carpenter Ants.

We are Imaginative

…And Playful (whatever the weather may be)

We are Risk-Takers

We are Reflective

Feelings in the woods

& & Searching for Shapes Curricular Connections Searching for Patterns in Nature Sorting Estimating & Counting Mathematics:

Music in the Woods

English as an Additional Language

Art

Getting Started Making a Proposal Health and Safety (Risk Assessment) First Aid Training Curriculum Connections Assessments What To Bring Parent Information Sessions How Waldkinder Can Be Adapted

The Benefits of Nature Motor Skills Lowered Levels of Stress Increased Focus and Attention More Diverse and Imaginative Play Stimulation of Social Interactions Development of Independence Less Cases of Nearsightedness

Parent Feedback “Prior to Waldkinder Thomas wanted to ‘stamp’ on insects. Now he gets down on his knees, identifies it and is far more caring about nature. He has passed this on to his younger brother and our trips into the country are far more interesting and enjoyable. He is now especially fond of grasshoppers and dragonflies. Thomas has an appreciation of plants and now understands the pollination process (bees) and that plants are there for a reason and not to be picked.” (Maria C. mother of Thomas 2011)

Thank you!

zfNY_FVjU?hd=1 Dr. E. O. Wilson