Nature-Inspired Kindergarten
Welcome to St. Mary’s School! We know this upcoming year may bring feelings of excitement, nervousness and maybe even a little sadness as your little one begins their schooling. Please know that we feel so blessed to start this journey with your child!
We have a balanced educational program in kindergarten. One exciting addition is our love of outdoor adventure and discovery. Over the past couple of years we have started to increase the use of outdoors and nature as we explore kindergarten concepts. There have been many studies done on the positive effects of the outdoors and nature on the developing brains and the mental health of our students. With our move to learning outdoors, we have certainly seen the many benefits that nature has on our students and our teachers alike.
You might be wondering what a ‘Nature-Inspired’ kindergarten program will look like for your child. Essentially, it means that as often as possible, we will be moving our learning activities outdoors. When possible, our indoor classroom activities will also be nature-inspired and strongly linked to the natural world. Your child will be encouraged to wonder, create, explore and discover through daily, meaningful nature based activities.
At St. Mary's School we believe…
- Faith and ‘The St Mary’s Way’ is embedded in everything we do. Catholic Education at this age is a beautiful thing. We focus on prayer, friendship, caring, sharing, forgiveness and getting to know Jesus.
- In intentional play and learning centers – revolving around fine motor skills, problem solving, social skills
- That children need plenty of outdoor learning - we are blessed to have a large campus that is connected to the Okotoks green space/pathway system.
- Children need lots of exposure to early numeracy and literacy.
- In open communication between home & family - a strong partnership with home is key to any child’s success
- The most important thing you can do with your child to prepare them for Kindergarten and during the Kindergarten year is to spend time reading with your child daily.
- In uninterrupted free play in learning centers, regular outdoor learning days, and two recesses a day with only the kindergarten students
- Developing a love of music and developing healthy habits through exercise, so we offer a music specialist and gym time for students
- In a team approach where Kindergarten teachers, specialists and learning support staff collaborate regularly to develop the best program learning experiences for young children
- Providing opportunities for children to build positive relationships with other children is a key part of Kindergarten!
- That Kindergarten is where their lifelong joy of learning begins!
