Unfortunately, we as teachers often feel the need to make nearly every decision for our students.
I never thought about rough and tumble play until encountering it in my first year of teaching. I immediately nixed it.
Every choice I make in my classroom is a result of my underlying beliefs, whether I am aware of it or not.
Photo Credit: http://www.geog.uvic.ca/viwilds/
When I first thought of starting a “Forest Kindergarten” (I put this in quotations because I still haven’t fully convinced myself this is what I am doing) I was overjoyed … I was absolutely smitten. Then, reality hit and the fear was overwhelming! But, I attempt to live life rationally and not let fear run my life.
Starting a K/1 forest program was not easy. It was petrifying. I had my fair share of sleepless nights over whether it was a good decision or not.