Makin’ Tracks: A Nature-based Program for Preschoolers
The Makin’ Tracks program is an afternoon program for children aged 2-6 that teaches children about nature through play, story, ceremony, movement and naturalist study. The afternoon energy of the child and hands-on nature of the program combine to make a relaxing yet exciting time for your child.
The curriculum combines philosophies of child development, the healing arts, nature awareness, storytelling, performance, and music. Classes include inside and outside activities, and lasts 15 weeks.
The activities of Makin’ Tracks are cyclical, often centered on a daily or monthly theme: an element of life, animal, time of year. Each activity is related to that one element. The instructors follow the children as they explore this theme, acknowledging that each child will have his or her own story as it relates to the topic, and then bring the group together as much a possible. There is out-of-doors time to further explore under careful supervision of instructors, ending with time for integration of what the child has learned that day.
Time in Nature is central to the program. The schoolroom is located on 11 acres of land that offer several ecosystems for the curious child: creek, meadow, pond, and mountain forest. The children are supervised in these natural areas where the instructors allow children to explore, asking them questions about what they find, and providing safety for their experience.
Klub Kiloo
Kiloo is the name an African Akambe (Kenya) elder gave my son when he was two years old. It means "Warrior of the Wilderness". I take this name for a new class offering nature and science education for children in grades K-4. For those of you who have been with me through my preschool program, Makin’ Tracks, this program is more challenging, with more scientific learning and adventure, geared for the 6-9 year old. I also include cultural information about the different Native American tribes in this country. There will be a lot of focus on practical skills, but in a fun way so that children really apply what they are learning.