Discovery Child Care Centre
1 Thrushwood Drive L4N 0Z1 Barrie, ON, Canada

Did you know that only 37% of children get the chance to play outside and engage in outdoor play activities each day (outsideplay.ca). We are on a mission to connect as many children with the natural world as possible. One component of outdoor play is risky play. This term has created a lot of conversation in the field of Early Childhood Education. As families and educators, we have a responsibility to think about our own experiences and biases and the way they impact what we... offer children. At Discovery, we take a risk/benefit assessment approach to children’s play. Our educators create Experience Risk/Benefit Assessments where they ask questions such as: What are the hazards, how can they be mitigated? What are the benefits of this play? What is the detriment of NOT offering this experience for young children? What might they miss out on? What actions need to be taken to mitigate the hazards BEFORE we engage in this experience? As we reflect on the elements of risky play some questions we can continue to ask ourselves include: Questions to guide your thinking: How can I incorporate a thoughtful pause into my practice to give children time to navigate their way through risk? How can I support children’s intentions and goals in their play while addressing risks (e.g., share my concerns, avoid unclear and non-specific advice)? How can I help children better identify and manage risks themselves (e.g., encourage reflection and discussions amongst children)? How can I gain control of a potentially dangerous situation (e.g., pausing techniques, gathering signals)? (Risk Assessmenr Toolkit, Child Nature Alliance). See more

At Discovery, we are passionate about offering all children, families, educators, and community members a safe space to think about their role in advocating for diversity and inclusion. We wanted to share a new shipment of books we received that will enrich this conversation with all our Discovery children. We believe that engaging with social justice and equity is an intrinsic part of our work as educators. "Critical reflection requires continual attention to practices th...at marginalize others and create or maintain inequities and injustices. Critically reflective attention to the ways in which young children's and educators' identities are constantly negotiated within different and oppositional discourses is an important part of creating socially just classrooms" (Journeys: Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Practices through Pedagogical Narration, pg. 34, Ketchabaw, Nxumalo, Kocher, Elliot, Sanchez). #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

Amber, Emily, Sam, Lisa, Angie, Chelsa, Chester, Mya, Alanah, Julie, Kevin, Shelley, Jessica, Chris,and Karen. This is the team of amazing people who make up the Discovery team. Each person wakes up every day and chooses to make Discovery a place where children can safely explore, learn, take risks, and cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Thanks to the ways in which you continuously go above and beyond to create the most optimal environment...s for children to make their first relationships, take their first steps, and make meaning about the world around them. We do believe that the work we are doing at Discovery sets the foundation for each child's life. We believe each person plays a part in this important work and know that it wouldn't be possible without each of you. It is always a special day when we get the recognition from our governing and legislating bodies and we are excited to to share with our community. #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

Child care centres for non-school aged children will remain open, and emergency child care for school-aged children will end in approved PHU regions on January 22, 2021 as these elementary schools return to in-person learning.

Sharing....save those Christmas Trees!

Great video on dressing for winter!

Our latest blog is now posted! It's more than a location, it's a way of being. https://www.discoverychild.on.ca/forest-school-its-more-th/

Good morning Discovery Families We have a new screening form that better captures the new details from the health unit. Please use this link from now on. https://form.jotform.com/202806361623248 The link is not yet available on our website but should be in the next day or so.... A great big THANK YOU goes out to Justin Morton for creating this screening for us! I could not have done it without you. Thanks for the support and help. I truly appreciate it. See more

It's not too late to vote! Thank you to all of the families that already voted for us. Please share with your family and friends too!

...And here is the news story! https://www.simcoe.com//10218214-simcoe-county-teachers-/

What a wonderful week with lots to celebrate at Discovery! Happy 2 year anniversary to our toddler teacher Emily and our preschool teacher Sam! You are amazing educators! On Friday, our MP John Brassard brought a special certificate to recognize Pietra from the House of Commons. What an honour! You are so deserving of this recognition.... What a great week! We have so much to be grateful for. Thank you to all of our staff, families, and children for making Discovery the best place to spend our days. See more

The recent study shows that repeated contact with nature-like elements five times a week diversified the body’s microbes which offered protection against diseases transmitted through the immune system in daycare children.

Thank you to everyone who supported us and voted for us! We are honoured to be the 2020 Readers Choice Winner!

Our team is still excited about dreaming, innovating, and problem solving during this time. We have spent time together as a team to think about how we want to define pedagogy at Discovery. Here are some ideas from our educators: Pedagogy is a process of co-learning and co-researching together.... Learning that happens as you grow with children. Its a process of describing the how and the progression of childrens learning A process of co-creating a more livable future for children (Understanding the advocacy is a part of what we do). What kind of future do we want to create for these children? A process of using quotes, photos, video, to bring visibility to childrens theories about the world. We are continuing to work together to understand how this looks in practice with our educators, children, and families. We believe that the early years sets the foundation for children's learning journeys. #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

Wishing our wonderful, award winning kindergarten teacher Pietra a very happy 5th anniversary with Discovery! Thank you for 5 amazing years. We are so lucky to have you on our team.

On this Remembrance day we pause to recognize and remember those who have served or are currently serving for our Country. We also want to recognize the commendable work and commitment to our communities as many soldiers have been deployed into long-term care homes during this pandemic. Today and every day we are grateful for your sacrifices for our Country. Lest We Forget. Http://www.veterans.gc.ca//edu/quick-facts/remembrance-day

Do you work in Simcoe County? Are you wondering about the different ways to offer learning contexts outside? Discovery's Professional Learning Division has got you covered! We have created a 4 part hybrid (online and in person) learning series for Educators who are curious and passionate about bringing their programs outside and connecting children to nature. We have been passionate about connecting children with Nature in licensed Early Learning and Care Programs for 22 ...years at Discovery. We can't wait to support other educators in Simcoe County in their pursuits of offering outdoor learning contexts for children. If interested, please email [email protected] we will forward your information to CCS to register you. #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

Congratulations to Pietra! Our children, families, and educators are better off because you are in our life. You are a spectacular educator, role model, and mentor. She has WON a Certificate of Achievement from the Prime Minister's award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education. She has been recognized and nominated by families (Heather Mandeville and Family) , colleagues, and leadership and there is no one more deserving of this award and recognition. "Pietra was the... most outstanding mentor any educator, child, or family could have in their life. Her kind, nurturing, and attentive disposition always offers any individual the safe place to learn, grow, and be themselves"-Colleague We are thrilled to share with our community this lifetimeachievement to the most deserving educator. Thank you for filling all our days with love, laughter, and so much inquiry and learning. You can look at the award and information here: https://www.ic.gc.ca//s/pmaece-ppmepe.nsf/eng/wy00727.html See more

Have you remembered to vote yet? If not, you have until Sept 27th to let everyone know you think we are the BEST!! https://www.simcoe.com/readerschoice//discovery-child-care

It is frustrating, but this is good to know!

In just ONE week we will be together again at Discovery Child Care Centre. We are so excited to welcome the children back. We have been working tirelessly on all areas of our program to ensure we are prepared to operate an amazing outdoor program that is rooted in the Forest and Nature school ethos. We are excited to see that the Provincial government is encouraging programs to spend more time in outdoor settings; which is something here at Discovery we are experts in doi...ng! What are you and your children most excited about as we approach our reopening? Thank you again to all of our committed families and community members for supporting us during this time. We can't wait to get back to connecting children with nature. #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

A great video about Orange Shirt day. Thanks Pina!

Orange Shirt Day began in Williams Lake in 2013 and has since spread to schools across B.C. and Canada.(Orangeshirtday.org) Orange Shirt Day (September 30th) is a day when we honour the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential schools in Canada and learn more about the history of those schools. Discovery Child Care Centre is committedto supporting our local Native Friendship Centre as we embark on a journey of Truth and Reconciliation. We are committed to u...nderstanding the different ways this can be evident in our daily practices as educators. In our work with young learners, we must remain mindful of the histories that walk with us, and the impact this may have on the present time. Education is a resource that allows us to think about these histories and empower future generations with the knowledge to do better as a society. #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

Hello Discovery friends! I’ve been out here in the Maritimes for exactly a week! I’ve been busy exploring the new places I call home and I keep thinking of all of my Discovery friends each time I go out for a walk because there are so many neat things I would love to investigate with all of you! I thought I would share a few photos of things I’ve been curious about over the last week and I also just wanted to send a message to say I miss you all! Hope everyone had a wonde...rful weekend. -Lindsay

At Discovery Child Care Center you will work as a Registered Early Childhood Educator alongside some of the most passionate, caring and dedicated educators in the industry. You will spend your days immersed in outdoor, natural environments and spend your time engaging and connecting children with nature. You will model a growth mindset through collaborative inquiry and share your passion with the natural world.You will strive for a deeper understanding of cultivating an ecol...ogical identity for children, families, educators, and the community. Hours will be based on programs needs. Educators in this role ensure they operate from respect, gratitude and awareness,for the natural world. They are passionate about life-long learning and possess resilience. They ensure that their daily contributions operate in alignment with our core values. You are passionate about spending the majority of your days outdoors and see the value in connecting children with the natural world. You are inspired to bring quality early learning and care, emergent curriculum and life-long learning to the lives of children. You are positive, joyful, proactive, and creative in your pursuits of creating learning opportunities for children. You are passionate about building connections and engaging with children and families. You are registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators and possess the training and documents required by the Ministry of Education to work in a child care setting. Applicants must upload your cover letter, resume, and pertinent documents through our Careers section on our website at: https://www.discoverychild.on.ca/career Applicants will only be considered that applied directly through our website. In keeping with Discovery Child Care Centers commitment to providing service in a manner that is accessible to all, reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants upon request. #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #ea See more

Please remember to cast your vote for Discovery! You have until Sept 27th. Please share with family and friends.

We have been nominated for Barrie Readers' Choice Awards...and we need your help! Please take a minute to vote for us. We really appreciate it! https://www.simcoe.com/readerschoice//discovery-child-care

We have been using a variety of strategies and self reflection tools to think about how we can support the children differently in our programs. We have been reflecting on different strategies to support our self-regulation strategies and the co-regulation of the children in our care. We have attached a copy of the emotions wheel from the Junto Institute,https://www.thejuntoinstitute.com//the-junto-emotion-wheel. We have been using this along side the work of Stuart Shank...er (The MEHRIT Centre) to understand how best to support children as they re-enter into our programs. As noted by Pietra's beautiful story in our Google Classroom, as many things are changing- there are many things that are staying the same. Such as, our beautiful outdoor space, the birds, and the love, dedication, and commitment from all our classroom teachers. We are excited to see you soon and we look forward to supporting you and your child's reentry into our programs. See you all soon and take care! #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

We have been inspired by the work of Brene Brown, Simon Sinek, Jon Young, Richard Louv, and many more brilliant thinkers as we have been spending our days together reconceptualising our programs. We have been inspired by the work of Daring Classrooms (Brene Brown) and have been thinking of the different ways we can leverage all of our strengths to make this a time of collaboration and reimagination. We have been working together to create pedagogical documentation about... how we want to work with children and families come September and the major theme of this time has proven to be INNOVATION. We have used our collective genius to begin problem solving and ensuring that our pedagogical commitments for children continue to be a top priority. We are excited to share some of our ideas and work with our community and we are curious to see the perspectives of families, children, and our community. We are working so hard to ensure our programs and educators have everything they need to provide an optimal environment for children. The countdown is on...20 days until we are together again! #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

Hello Discovery Families. We are looking for a recommendations for someone to come out and repave our bike path in our Nature Classroom. Please let us know if you have any recommendations! thanks.

The goal of our time together is to reconnect, engage in critical pedagogical work together, and imagine together how our programs will look for the children, families, and educators that align with our vision, mission, and values. We will dig into ideas around democracy and advocacy, collaboration, values driven curriculum, and our role in cultivating ecological identities for children. Although this is unlike any other time in our professional lives, we are excited that w...e have an opportunity unlike anything weve ever had to come together to collaborate together. We are excited to understand how we can use this time to set ourselves, and our programs up for success. #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

Another memory! Class of 2015-2016 Forest School Kindergarten Compilation!

Can't wait until we are all back together again next month!

As I reflect on the past year and the evolution of my Forest School Journey it is inspiring to see my own growth and development not only on a professional level but a personal level as well. Given that I worked in a Nature School before I embarked on this journey, I always was passionate about the outdoors and saw value in children being outdoors, but it was a very topical experience. This program has allowed me to dig deeper into my values, beliefs, and understandings and i...ntegrate this way of being into all facets of my life. These experiences have opened my eyes to the gift that cultivating this in young learners offers our communities and the world. If we have enough individuals with this perspective making changes to their lives, then the world can profoundly change for future generations. The program also gave me the courage to begin asking hard questions of myself as it relates to Truth and Reconciliation. I have embarked on a journey of research to understand the histories of the land we use and the ways these histories need to be understood and talked about in our early learning programs. I am so aware of the responsibility that I have as an educator to ask hard questions of myself to move our programs into a space where truth and reconciliation is a part of our way of being. Overall, the impact of this program cannot accurately be summarized into words. It is a feeling, an essence, a new energy that I carry with me in everything that I do. The skills and resources give me the newfound confidence to support young learners in their journey as I continue to be a co-learner along side them. This new way of being has caused my values to shift and evolve and will forever change how I operate as an educator, and friend of this beautiful Earth. Thank you so much to Discovery for creating contexts for big and little people to find the joy, beauty, and wonder of the natural world. See more

Announcement made by Ministry of Education today. Please stay tuned as we will have updates for you as soon as we have answers from guidance documents. https://news.ontario.ca//ontario-continues-to-gradually-an

Who believes that love builds brains? We do! The amazing doctor, researcher, educator, speaker, and advocate for the early years Dr. Jean Clinton has just published a book that weaves the most up to date scientific research and anecdotal stories to share the importance of the Early Years and why connection, relationships, and love are necessary for childrens brain development. Love Builds Brains, lays out the early years' journey of attachment, self-regulation, connection..., resilience and well-being, with scientific explanations that are measured out in understandable doses. In the book, there's a strong and appropriate emphasis on early years' development, but there's also attention to the adolescent brain. This book is full of scientifically-based wisdom in a conversational style -Google Review We have shared one of her many inspiring talks around the interconnectedness of connection, relationships, and childrens brain development. Her ability to speak to the profound impact of the work of Early Childhood Professionals is profound. She is able to clearly show the relationship between connection, love, and learning. We look forward to reading this book and integrating more research into our practice as Early Years Professionals; to ensure our practice to serve young learners always includes the most up to date scientific findings and best practices. See more

Weve all gotten sucked into the chaos either after a full day of parenting or teaching. However, this powerful truth has proven time and time again that the calm will always take over the chaos. The calm that you are offering allows the child to regulate their behaviour. This skill is quite possibly the most important you can equip young children with and will be a skill that allows them to be successful in all their endeavours in life. AND one thing the science kno...ws for sure is: stressed brains CANT learn. As we slowly start to readjust back in to school, or work with new routines and stressors remember what you need to bring youself calm so you can offer that to the children in your home or your classroom. Consider trying to spend more time in natural environments where children can be less impacted by overcrowding, noise, and fluorescent lighting. The natural world is inherently more calming and provides the space for both children and adults to find calm and the ability to self-regulate. #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

"Acorn, dandelion, fern, ivy All words that are being removed from the oxford dictionary and being replaced with words such as OMG, Twitter, swole, screen time" When children, families, and educators foster their ecological identity or the disposition of delight, it is only then that we can begin to change the world. As eloquently noted by David Sobel, If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, let us allow them to love the Earth before we ask them to ...save it. Pay attention-look closely and for long stretches of time. Look often enough that you notice change and consistency. Notice details. Notice context. Notice rhythm, texture, pattern. Be curious. Look for novelty. Wonder at the connections and the novelty. Open your heart: be astonished and delighted. Marvel! Feel gratitude. With all the empathy in you, embrace the life of the thing before you. Be modest and humble. Move from recognition of your rightful place in the world, which is neither distinct from nor superior to nor less natural than the other beings, the rocks, the dirt, the growing things and the decaying things with whom we share the planet Ann Pelo, Goodness of Rain, pg. 47 You dont have to bring a thing to it except a little willingness to see. Only, who could have the courage to see it? Such courage is the animating spirit of an ecological identity. When you give yourself time to slow down and connect, it sets the foundation for a building arelationship. One of the most sacred relationships of all, the one with Mother Nature #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

The role of the educator is multidimensional and the value of early childhood educators cannot be overstated. We are passionate about supporting educators in their pursuits of offering the best learning environments, experiences, and programs for young children. Educators are knowledgeable researchers, critical thinkers, and experts in child development. Our professional learning division supports educators as they investigate the types of programs they want to offe...r for children and families. What else would you add to this list? What is your image of the educator? #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

AMs family brought their bubble together to celebrate Mud Day, and had SO much fun! We filled the water table with soil and dirt, then we needed a wet ingredient! to make a thick mud, perfect for mud cakes. We collected cedar clippings, small fallen chestnuts, clover flowers and forget-me-nots to add as decoration. We filled the pool with soil and extra water, to make a soupy mud, perfect for playing and splashing and sliding in. The trucks joined, and we enjoyed constr...uction play. We made muddy handprints and footprints. Then we scooped some of the soupy mud mixture on to the slip-n-slide, and ran and splashed in it some more! AM loved the idea that while we shared the experience with friends M&K, that so many of his forest school friends were also playing in the mud together too! Thanks for encouraging us to join in the mess!

H & H has some mud day fun!

We are passionate educators inspired to connect as many children, families, and educators to the natural world as possible. We offer a variety of professional learning opportunities that aim to create contexts for educators to see that anything you do indoors, you can do outdoors too! During this unique time, many centers are reimagining how their programs look and focusing on spending more time outside, which makes us super excited! ... If you are curious about the limitless possibilities that Nature Pedagogy offers, let us know and we would love to share the ways we can support the evolution of your programs. We aspire to bring nature education to all! #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

For mud day B and E dug through a tote full of mud to find stickers and other little treats wrapped up. Then B decided she would wade in the mud to use her feet to see if there was anything else in there... #resourceful #missingthemudkitchen

FW invited a friend over to celebrate and they decided to give our playhouse a "mud makeover". FW also thought that mud made great lipstick. And baby bro celebrated his first mud day. He was so excited to explore his "mud pool" that his sisters created for him. They both collected some things from our hikes that they thought he would enjoy. He had so much fun. At the end of the day KW said "Mom can we have mud day everyday"?

Since we couldn't be together to celebrate International Mud Day yesterday, I thought I would share some fun videos from Mud Days Past. This one is from 2016. Enjoy!

ZW had a blast celebrating Mud Day with his grandparents! He decided to use vegetables that grow in the garden to make a silly face, just like the rock face we made a earlier in the Spring. He also wanted me to tell you that he loved seeing his teachers mud creations and especially thought it was so silly that Angie had mud all over her hands! (He asked to look at the muddy hand picture over and over)

I tried to re imagine our classic mud slide, and finger painting aka toe painting! My friend's child was obsessed, kept yelling how much she loved Mud Day and asking how far her creativity could go with it.

KW was so excited for mud day we started a bit early. She had so much fun making "witches brew" in our mud kitchen....which then transformed into a "mud bath" for her baby. K - "mom I'm just giving my baby a mud bath because it's so healthy for her skin and hair" And FW of course spent a lengthy amount of time exploring some mud on our hike.

Look at this beautiful quote and message shared to us from Britt! There are so many benefits for us to get outside and get dirty! Especially at a time like this! I've spent my quaratine working on a lot of my passions and have taken the time to do things I've been really wanting to do but never seem to have the time to do. The one thing that this time has taught me is just how important relationships are, and to show the ones we love just how much we love them. I can't wa...it for us to all be back together again! Thank you so much Britt for sharing these pictures! We are so excited to share in this joyful day together through pictures and videos. How will you be celebrating #internationalmudday2020 ? #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

HOORAY! IT'S MUD DAY! We decided to use the landscape of our own backyard as inspiration for our mud day art experience! Julian said he wanted to paint some of the flowers that we had had growing in the garden, so we created some mud paint and brought out a giant piece of glass to use as our canvas.... As we spent time tracing each piece of the background, we noticed the ants coming out of the White peonies, the ash beetle tracks left behind on the tree trunks of the ash tree and we wondered why all of the bark was now floating and hovering above the trees body. It was a peaceful way to spend our Sunday afternoon and we will keep our artwork on display against our back fence until the rain washes it away! Happy Mud Day!!

A mud day message from Chelsa! #barrie #childcare #forestschool #kindergarten #mudday

We are so excited to share this beautiful post from Angie and her son! J and I decided to celebrate mud day by making some nature art outside. We first created some mud by adding water to some soil, which is a big part of the fun and learning! He noted that some of the soil floated on the top of the water before we mixed it. He wondered why it was lighter? We then collected some of the best leaves, twigs, rocks, and seeds and started creating. I dove right in with my ha...nds, enjoying the feeling of the cool mud squishing in my fingers. J was a bit more deliberate and careful about how much mud touched his skin. In our own unique approaches we celebrated mud and created something mud-tastic! This activity represents what we've been doing during quarantine. Enjoying time together, outside. We've been exploring different walking trails in our area, and stopping to appreciate the tiniest flower and the coolest rock. Enjoy your mud day with your families, friends! Miss you! xo Angie How do you think your children could use mud as an artistic medium to represent their time? #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

Look at these great pictures from Lisa and Alanah. Below is a nice message from the two of them. It's great to see you having so much fun! We had a little too much fun doing our very own mud day! We are sad that we can't be with our friends, hearing all of their laughter and giggles this day brings. We enjoyed mixing mud, painting our patio, and face painting. Alanah may have "accidentally" got some on her sister!! We can't wait to see all of your mud day adventures. ...We have also attached an idea for a mud day slip and slide. This idea is for the real MUD LOVERS out there. We can think of a few children that always love to jump into mud day with both feet. We wonder if anyone will bravely try out this idea "The most memorable days usually end with the dirtiest clothes." - Kristen Welch #forestschool #childcare #provincialcenterofexcellence #dosomething #outdoorplay #getoutside #natureforall #canada #smdhu #discoveryforestschool #ontario #barrie #canada #naturebased #pedagogy #landbasedlearning #discoverychildcare #simcoecounty #inspired #educators #earlychildhoodeducation #collaboration #wildlearning See more

3 more sleeps! How will you be celebrating?

Please follow the link to vote: https://www.simcoe.com//p/subcategories/daycare-child-care