Over these past couple of weeks at Bunns Creek, we have been learning about bugs, ecosystems, plants, and the animals that share the land with us. We have also been learning what it means to share this space with people, our neighbours, and different children. As we explored together, new friendships were made, and we had many opportunities to build relationships with both the land and the people around us.

We began our days with gratitude and smudging, taking time to thank Creator for the gift of life we see all around us and for the pleasure of spending time together on the land. Visits from Grandmother Tree deepened our understanding of the sacred teachings and encouraged us to listen, notice, and slow down enough to hear what the land has to teach us.

A large part of Forest School is allowing children to lead their own learning. We have been enjoying the land together, letting go of some of our usual routines and making space for children's ideas, questions, and discoveries. This freedom allows children to follow their curiosity and become active participants in their own learning.

Tree climbing and exploring the creek gave children opportunities to overcome fears, discover new skills, and challenge themselves in an environment that offered both freedom and safety. Through risk assessment and thoughtful guidance, children learned to recognize their abilities, assess their surroundings, make decisions, and understand that risky play can also be safe play. These experiences help build confidence, independence, and a growing understanding of how to navigate the world around them.

As educators, we have also been learning the importance of scaffolding children's play. Rather than directing the experience, we watch, listen, and notice where children's ideas might lead. We provide materials and support when needed while allowing the environment itself to become their playground.

Foraging became potion making, which then led into the beginning stages of exploring cooking. From there, the children's ideas moved into fort building as they figured out how to create a shelter with nature's help. One idea naturally led to another because the children had the time and freedom to follow their own thinking.

Brown buffalos - Forest School Adventures

The Buffalos have been making the most of every opportunity to explore, discover, and learn together at Forest School! From rainy-day adventures to creek investigations and exciting fire days, our young explorers have embraced each experience with curiosity, confidence, and enthusiasm.

One day, a surprise rain shower encouraged us to take shelter beneath the beautiful tree canopy. As we waited for the rain to pass, our explorers noticed the reflections created by the tree trunks and began exploring the nearby creek. They experimented with gently tossing sticks into the water and were fascinated by the sounds, splashes, and movement they created. We also discovered a berry tree, which sparked a foraging adventure as we searched the area for different berry and fruit trees.

Fire Days

Our fire days were a very exciting part of our Forest School experience! Our young learners demonstrated wonderful patience and respect as they learned about and followed our fire safety rules. Together, we completed a risk assessment and talked about how we could safely enjoy the fire.

One at a time, our explorers had the opportunity to come to the fire, prepare their lunch, and cook their own food. Some were eager and excited to participate, while others felt more comfortable observing from a safe distance. We respected each individual's choice and allowed everyone to participate at a level that felt comfortable for them.

This created a positive and supportive environment where children could challenge themselves without feeling pressured. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they tried something new in their own way.

Creek Investigations

The creek provided endless opportunities for investigation and discovery. While exploring underneath the bridge, the children noticed that the water level was much lower and that there were fewer fish visible than we had seen previously.

Our young investigators collected a small amount of water for closer investigation and were excited to discover tiny bugs living within it! Their curiosity led to lots of questions and conversations as they observed and wondered about the life within the creek.

The water also became a wonderful place to explore cause and effect. The children experimented with rocks, sticks, and small pebbles, carefully watching the splashes and ripples they created. They began noticing that objects of different sizes made different sounds and movements. One exciting discovery was that larger stones created ripples that travelled much farther across the water.

Rainy-Day Adventures

Even a light rain couldn't stop the Buffalos from exploring! We set up our camp with extra coverage so everyone could stay dry and continued our adventure under the bridge.

Our explorers once again enjoyed experimenting with rocks, sticks, and pebbles in the creek, observing how different objects created different splashes and ripples. We then ventured deeper into a tree clearing, where we discovered a special area filled with unique trees and fallen branches.

The group decided to name one of the unusual trees the “Castle Tree.” They spent time moving, examining, and comparing fallen branches of different sizes and weights. What began as simple exploration quickly became an opportunity for teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and physical development.

Growing Confidence Through Adventure

After a weekend of rain, the creek became an entirely new place to explore! The babbling brook was truly babbling, and the children were excited to see how the increased water flow had changed the environment.

Our young explorers had opportunities to take appropriate risks as they climbed and balanced on the rocks in the brook. Some chose to stay closer to the edge and observe, while others felt ready to challenge themselves by venturing farther, with encouragement and support from their friends.

It was wonderful to see the children cheering one another on and celebrating each other's accomplishments. They demonstrated courage, perseverance, confidence, and kindness as they supported their peers.