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