Forest Kids

6 From Fringe Movement to
Fertile Ground
Look.
Be aware of wonder.
Share everything.
These are three of the essential tools of life included in Robert
Fulghum’s famous essay, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in
Kindergarten.”
Frances Krusekopf and Enid Elliot are passing them on. The
first two could be principles of the Nature Kindergarten they
spearheaded at Sangster Elementary. And when it comes to the
details of their groundbreaking program, they are happy to share.
They tell their story to audiences and workshops in Canada and
as far away as New Zealand. Their kindergarten’s website tracks its
evolution from conception in early 2011 to delivery last fall and
current status as a thriving program. They’ve posted exchanges
with educators around the world and links to the latest research
about early learning and the outdoors. There are regular updates
from the teachers on how the children spent a rainy morning and
their questions and observations about plants in springtime.
Still, Krusekopf and Elliot have a kindergarten caveat for enthusiasts
eager to start their own: don’t be a copycat. Not because
they mind. But because it probably won’t work.
“We do have things we can offer, but we don’t want to offer a
template,” says Elliot.
For a forest kindergarten to be truly effective, adds project
manager Krusekopf, it must reflect the local geography, community
and school board.
“Our feeling is if you like the idea, take the idea. But give yourselves
enough time to adapt it to your own context.”
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