Wild Wednesday: Following their lead

This past weekend we headed to Meadowlily Woods to explore all the signs of spring. There was a specific area I was hoping to get to but as with most hikes, India and Wells had other plans. Once they discovered the river and this little stream feeding into it they were hooked. They spent over an hour exploring this area which they described as a waterfall, cavern, mountain and beaver store. At one point India turned to her brother and said “this is a dangerous mission, but let's try and make it to the top” to which he enthusiastically replied, “let's do it!”. They worked together taking turns “saving each other” until they finally made it to the top! Only to start all over again.

Sometimes it can be difficult to let go of whatever expectations we have for an experience but allowing children to lead the way creates true engagement. They learn so much more when they follow their own interests! When India and Wells were working together as a team they were creating a sense of belonging for each other and all this beautiful world-building and imagination was such a wonderful display of their expression. We didn't ever get to the area I was hoping to see but the amount of joy and learning happening here was more than I could have hoped for!

Written by Abby Dique, Fanshawe ECE Student