WILD Wednesday: Visiting the North Pole

"Who can resist a good hike after all this beautiful snow we have received? A few days ago we headed back to Westminster Ponds to explore this winter wonderland. The kids decided to venture onto one of the smaller paths, alerting me that this was a “secret passageway” giving each other an excited look. India had picked up a large stick and asked her brother if he wanted to see what it was like in the north pole. He enthusiastically said “yes!” and so she told him to go under a bush close by. Once he was under she used the big stick to shake the branches and shower him with powdered snow. Wells absolutely loved it shouting “snow storm! Again! Again!”

This wonderful adventure hit on all four foundations of learning. Just by being out in the forest, exploring and being physically active contributes so much to their sense of well-being. Then as these two veered off to take a new path deciding it was a “secret passageway” together they became a little team working together to guide us which was wonderful for their sense of belonging. Suddenly we were in a brand new world of their creation. India had taken us to the north pole and Wells was in the middle of a snow storm, such wonderful displays of their expression. By allowing the kids to lead this hike, they were fully engaged in their environment, following their natural curiosity and imagination. "

Written by Abby Dique, Fanshawe ECE Student