At Larchwood Nature OT we are developing courage, confidence, coordination and deep care for our precious environment in all of our clients. Nature offers many opportunities for supporting development of the mind, muscles, senses, and emotions.
What Time is It, Mr.Wolf is a classic game that lots of teachers introduce to their students as a beginner game. There’s lots of games that are not only fun, but can be very educational to younger students at the same time. Today we’re going to get into 4 in-school games that we recommend or that you can even try at home with your children!
Winter lockdown doesn’t have to mean endless screen time and being stuck indoors. There are plenty of ways to get outside and explore the amazing secret hot spots of nature, art and culture that South Etobicoke has to offer. Here are my top 3 local hikes to explore with my own family and our students at Oak Learners!
This winter we have a lot to look forward to! From exploring snow hills to ice crystals to making igloos and snow angels. Help your little learners stay warm and dry this winter so they can continue learning and having fun in comfort. Outside exploration has been proven to lead to a plethora of benefits that helps your child develop crucial skills. At Oak Learners, our students are outside for extended periods of time in all winter weather: snow, rain or shine. Regardless of the forecast, we will continue encouraging our students to explore the natural world around them while pushing boundaries and taking risks.
With the recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, many students have switched to online learning. Due to the pandemic, children are spending more time at home and lacking the physical activity facilitated through recess and gym class when they were physically attending school. It is important for parents to find ways to incorporate physical activity at home and prioritize healthy living. In doing so, families can reduce the risk of childhood obesity and reduce the stress and anxiety experienced during these unprecedented times.
Daily outdoor lessons in green spaces has the potential to boost focus, confidence and self-regulation in young children, thereby setting them up for greater academic and social-emotional success.
Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the sunny weather while we can! Children are constantly learning and there are many outdoor activities that allow them to have fun while engaging with the world around them. Although kids are naturally curious and can direct their own learning by exploring the outdoors and asking questions, there are many activities that family members can introduce and facilitate to encourage students to think outside the box. One way to do this is with a sound walk!
Bubbles are a fun summer activity for people of all ages! Follow the steps below to make your own homemade bubble recipe.
Chalk is a summer staple in many family households. It is inexpensive, easy to use, and it takes children away from their devices for a while. For some parents, though, drawing time ends far too quickly. Their children doodle a couple of things before complaining that they are “tired” or “bored.” If you have faced this problem in the past, you came to the right place! We have created a list of unique and fun chalk activities that will keep your little ones entertained all summer long!
Science offers such a wide range of topics to learn about that there is definitely something for everyone! In our virtual science classes at Oak Learners we have been exploring many areas of science such as learning about animals, outer space, the weather, and even doing some science experiments with materials from home! The science field trips below will help students continue to discover new things about the world and think about questions and curiosities that they want to explore even further.
We have to celebrate the good days and remember what is special in our lives. Thankfully, we have life and that is because of the Earth. SO, let’s celebrate and use the things it gives us to show its beauty.
The weather is getting warmer and the sun is shining brighter and it helps us all feel a little bit better each day. It’s the perfect time to get outside and take a walk!
“Let Nature be your teacher.” – William Wordsworth If I told you that we made Dandelion Play Dough today, you may well wonder what it had to do with the curriculum, but in fact it was one of the best learning experiences for students and teachers alike! For the past...