Tuesday 23 May 2017

"Walkshop": Developing a Relationship with the Natural World & AGM


“With society seemingly moving farther away from nature, there is a stronger need for schools to focus on creating more opportunities for children to experience it. Children and nature belong together. They need no formal introduction, just time for the relationship to grow; nature introduces itself.” ~ Strengthening Relationships with the Natural World in a Reggio Emilia Inspired Preschool in Atlanta, Georgia by Susan Edwards and Gabriela Garcia, Innovations in Early Childhood, Winter 2013
We are looking forward to closing out our 2016-17 season exploring with Mavis Lewis-Webber who believes children and the adults in their lives thrive in the great outdoors. This hands on interactive outdoor ‘walkshop’ will explore the natural space at FortWhyte Alive. Mavis will share ideas on how to safely take children into natural spaces so they can develop a relationship with the natural world. 
Mavis is a trained Forest School educator who mentors others in their learning journey. Mavis loves living in the Interlake and wandering the trails on her 80 acres.


DATE AND TIME

Tue, 6 June 2017

Siobhan Richardson Field Station
Fort Whyte Alive 
1961 McCreary Rd 
Winnipeg, MB R3P 2K9

Is there a cost for this event?
A donation to the silver collection at the registration table is gratefully appreciated.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
We suggest carpooling to the event. Parking in the main lot and planning for a short 20 min. walk into the Siobhan Richardson Research Station is recommended. 
What can I bring into the event?
  • BYOW - Bring your own water
  • Dress for the weather on that day. Wear long pants and close-toed shoes as we will be walking on uneven ground in the bush. You may encounter forest creatures (mosquito’s and possibly wood ticks) so come prepared. 
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Snarozniak@RRC.CA
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
You are not required to print your ticket. Please check in at the registration desk and pick up your name tag upon arrival. 
Can I update my registration information?
This is a wait-listed event. If you are unable to attend those on the wait-list will be happy to replace you. Should you need to make a change to your registration please contact the organizer.

Friday 19 May 2017

A Wonderful Evening of Clay Play

Recently we hosted our first hands-on clay workshop! We were overwhelmed at the response as spots filled quickly and we had people on the waiting list only two days after announcing the workshop. We will definitely host more of these type of experiences in the future.

On that note, please let us know if you have any other ideas for workshops you'd like to attend.

The workshop was split into two components. Half of the evening was spent reading, reflecting and discussing the articles, "Stepping into Clay" and "Using clay to scaffold and understand children's expressions." There was rich conversation and dialogue about using clay with young children. It was so inspiring to learn together in a room full of such diverse and experienced educators.





The second half of the evening began with an introduction to clay by Kim Crass and Ashley Taylor from Riverbend Community School. They led us through an introduction to clay with clay considered as a gift from Mother Earth. Participants were encouraged to experience the clay with ALL of their senses.

Then we all got to put our learning into action and sink our fingers into the clay. I really enjoyed listening to everyone's thoughtful dialogue as they worked with the clay.






Ideas such as exploring the properties of clay, blocking the clay, pinch-pot work, rolling/slab work and coil pot work were explored and many different pieces were created.  A variety of tools (many of them found objects) were used to imprint, shape and create. Participants learned a bit about respecting clay as a medium and how to introduce clay into curriculum with preschool and school age children. 

Use of clay to develop a new or different perspective when children study a scheme or idea is an exciting opportunity. Children can benefit from the fine motor skill challenge as well as develop a creative perspective while exploring this modality. 
Clay is one of the Hundred Languages of children and it is one that helps children to bring their ideas from photos, sketches, or paintings to life!