The arrival of Spring weather and the drying up of the snow in the forest, has given the toddlers an opportunity for more walks beyond the playground.
The toddlers have loved these walks especially through the forest. Although some children were at first apprehensive about entering the forest, with some gentle encouragement and reassurance that everything was ok, the children began to feel at ease about this new environment.
“Trees!” Abi exclaimed as she looked up at the large trees towering above her. Vivian also noticed the large tree cover as he looked at the trees above him.
Noemie and Michelle picked up the leaves navigating their way along the pathway and over many of the fallen trees. The trees at first posed an obstacle until they realized they could just climb up, and over them.
“Birds,” Hendrix notes to his peers, which sparked all the children to stop and listen to the many birds singing in the forest.
Learning through forest walks is a big part of the children’s environment. Senses such as seeing, hearing and touching the texture of the leaves, branches and tree’s bark is an important part of learning. The peaceful environment of the forest can calm their emotions, picking up things such as pine cones, leaves or sticks are a way of developing fine motor and observation skills. Problem solving is developed by navigating their way through the forest on the uneven ground created by fallen leaves, twigs and large fallen trees and branches.
Gross motor skills are also developed by walking on uneven surfaces or figuring out how to climb up and over the large tree trunks and branches, which also promotes problem solving.
By pointing out various trees and plants and asking open ended questions, the children are able to develop critical thinking skills. Asking questions such as, “What kind of bird do you think is singing?” Or “What kind of tree do you think it is?”
The toddlers will continue with these walks throughout the spring and summer months helping the children to develop many important skills of early development and beyond.
