Elementary Owls

  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...

  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...

  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...

    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 ...

  DEAR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF TERRA VIVA SCHOOLS YOU ARE INVITED! We are nearing the end of another great school year. The children have learned and grown throughout the year, and we all feel privileged to be able to watch them grow and experience new skills and environments. A Graduation invitation will be sent out on Thursday, May 1,2025.  Please RSVP the number of guests that will be attending by Friday, May 9, 2025 supervisorterravivaport@gmail. com When:    May 23, Kinder Casa and Elementary class, Port Location    Where:  92 Main Street, Port Location, Terra Viva in the Gymnasium Early Dismissal: Please pick your child up by 12pm and they will have lunch. Time:  3PM Ceremony Begins Drop off:  When returning for graduation, please bring your child to the double purple doors, and a teacher will be there to help with your child and then lead you to the gymnasium. Drop off Time:  Between 230-245pm Light refreshments wi...