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DRESSING YOUR CHILD FOR NATURE PLAY AND FOREST SCHOOL-FALL SEASON

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  What to bring for DAILY Nature play and Forest school days Although we recognize there are multiple challenges to getting your child dressed for a day in the forest, we want you to know that it is okay! Our staff understands the challenges children may face at the beginning of a new season. Please communicate with us and share how your child feels and any special accommodations we should discuss with you prior to the first day of Forest school. Be advised that children who do not have the required items won't be able to participate. Parents will be called to bring items to school if needed. FALL Daily Essential items pocket snack (peanut free granola bar) water bottle Hat Soft Mittens 2 Layers of clothing A Jacket A pair of heat warmers, hand/ feet (cold days) Thick socks Waterproof splash pants and a splash suit to go over a jacket on rainy days/cold days Waterproof boots Cubbies items (to leave at school) *Extra Shoes *Extra socks *Full set of pants, long-sleeve shirts, and und...
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T.V Detox: Gaining My Children Back!

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  It all began with my growing concern and frustration. Every day, I found myself repeating the same phrase: “Turn it off, enough with the cheese videos.” Yet the cycle never ended; screens kept pulling my children in, and I was left feeling like a broken record. I was hopeful they would manage their time and respect the limits we set. However, they seem to require constant reminders. One day, I had enough. I realized that if I didn’t make a change, they would never truly disconnect. So, I made a decision: unanimously, without room for negotiation, I unplugged the main TV (the central source of their entertainment) The only exception I allowed was the Nintendo on weekends, and even that was limited. My husband went bunkers! Because this also meant he was being held accountable for. No Netflix, no tennis games, and no nature shows? wait what?  At first, I braced myself for resistance. But to my surprise, they all agreed. Including my husband. There was no choice really... And n...
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A CALENDAR OF NATURE EVENTS!

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  A CALENDAR OF NATURE EVENTS By Andrea Lopez The true symbol of summer is the celestial body that astronomers call "The Sun." This time of the year is dominated by the overwhelming and omnipresent light of the Sun.  On June 21, we celebrate the Summer solstice, and although some parts of the country will remain cold, the sun's undeniable rays will slowly pierce through with more intensity, illuminating all creatures great and small! Our sun is the life giver and the force that keeps nature and us alive! June, above all, is the month of flowering plants and when the fields are dressed in green.  Tadpoles swim in shallow ponds, and Oriole nests are at the ends of the Elm branches.  The Tiger swallowtail butterflies fill the air, and fireflies appear.  The door is open for our June bugs to shine. Caterpillars, earthworms, potato bugs, ants, and creepy crawlies tread around our children's playgrounds, capturing their eyes of imagination and opening a whole scope of...
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STICKS AND STONES DON'T BREAK MY BONES

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  Understanding Terra Viva's Risky Play philosophy by Andrea Lopez Growing up in a small city in Colombia, my grandmother's house, surrounded by trees and mountains, until the age of 6, was my kindergarten. I cannot recall any stringing rules. On the contrary, I was encouraged to go play and return for lunch, and then go back into the Forest for the afternoon. I used to come back filthy and stinky after a day of exciting adventures. Since the age of 4, I was allowed to climb trees, build forts, make fire, be loud, and explore who I really was!  Was I at risk? perhaps. However, I was privileged enough to live in a safe neighborhood that provided me and other children of my age with the opportunity to be "free and wild " My experience cannot speak for other children who have grown up in different conditions or were a part of marginalized populations, where safety was simply not there. My introduction provides an overview of who I was as a child and how my experiences po...
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MUD, MUD, GLORIOUS MUD!

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  Understanding Terra Viva's nature play philosophy. Springtime is here, and with it, it's most soothing, fun, children-friendly, and the most amazing and beneficial natural component: MUD. Every child has the need to touch and feel natural elements. The need to ground their little bodies to the elements of the earth. This "need" is then transformed into incredible memories of freedom, friendships, and relaxation. Getting dirty and filthy are synonyms for fun and pure joyful outdoor play.  Playing in the mud is the same as playing in the sand or water, but a little messier! Our outdoor play philosophy supports 100% playing in the mud! Some parents might wonder what are the benefits of mud play and how to support Terra Viva's natural learning practice. Benefits: Medical research from the Mayo Clinic shows that playing in the mud helps strengthen the immune system. The germs in the mud actually help children with allergies and asthma. Furthermore, letting children b...
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RAINY DAYS EXPLORATION!

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  TERRA VIVA WALKABOUTS AND NATURE EXPLORATION ON RAINY DAYS! Exploring our surroundings and the natural local beauty of Port Dalhousie is a major component of our  Nature Curriculum. Spring is the season of renewal, resurrection, the awakening of nature after her long sleep, and of course, it is a season of a lot of  RAIN! Terra Viva's outdoor policy support children's interaction with the elements and the wetaher. Our c hildren love spending the time outside on sunny, rainy and cloudy days during the Spring season. How do I prepare my child for a rainy day? Here are some essential tips for all our parents to better support and understand our Rain of shine philosophy. 1. RAIN, RAIN COME AGAIN! At Terra Viva schools we instill the love for the rain! Talking to your children about the rain in a positive way will immensely help children to be open for exploration on a rainy day and to have an optimistic outlook for all kinds of weather. When it rains, refrain from saying th...
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2025 GRADUATION AND CENCERT DETAILS!

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    2025 CELEBRATION OF ACHIEVEMENT Come and celebrate with us another fantastic end of a learning cycle- as we watch our students perform Spanish songs and dances, followed by the Graduation Ceremony. Who is graduating? Toddlers advancing to Casa Seniour Casa advancing Kinder  Seniour Kindergarten to Elementary Elementary Students moving up to the next grade. Are refreshments provided? yes!  Fruit and light snacks will be provided This is the time to share with other friends, families, and teachers. Is my family required to stay for the whole duration of the event? Our concert starts at 3 pm Our ceremony starts at 4 pm Out of respect and consideration for other children performing, we ask you to make the effort and stay until the end! Staff members have also made extraordinary efforts to present to you the best performance and ceremony celebration. Plan to stay for a time slot of a minimum of 2 hours. What time should I drop off my child? Children should be dropped ...
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