One recent sunny morning, our students were restless and it became obvious that a change of pace was needed. Observing the children’s cues, we determined that it was the perfect time for an outdoor adventure, although it was only 10:30, much earlier than our usual outdoor time. We encouraged the children to tidy up and…
Dressing children in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is more than a matter of practicality; it’s a fundamental component of their learning and development. Clothing that isn’t suited to the weather or requires kids to keep clean limits their willingness to participate and explore freely. Wilder Learning North Durham’s curriculum is grounded in the belief that the…
“What is a dolphin?” asked a young student during our recent exploration of animal classification. This sparked an engaging discussion, prompting us to examine our dichotomous chart and start a detective-like inquiry. “Does it have fur?” we pondered. The children said no, leading us to wonder, “Does it live in water?” With nods all around,…
A recent project day at Wilder Learning turned into an empowering lesson in problem-solving, teamwork, and the value of learning from experience. Our students faced a practical issue: their wet mittens had nowhere to dry in front of the baseboard heater. They saw a challenge and transformed it into an opportunity for learning and creativity….
Last week at Wilder Learning North Durham, our students took part in the ‘All About Me’ unit. This initiative was more than a collection of activities; it was a structured approach to help children understand and appreciate their unique qualities, while growing their language, math, social studies, art and social-emotional learning. Integrating Art with Identity…
Numbers, colours, and social-emotional learning through literature and hands-on activities Recently at Wilder Learning North Durham, the colourful world of art met the foundational concepts of mathematics and social-emotional learning (SEL) to create a holistic educational experience for our young learners. Our cross-curricular activities are teaching colour theory at the same time as we are…
It’s a fundamental truth at Wilder Learning: we love children. Our ethos is built around a deep respect and admiration for the boundless wonder and inherent competence of children. This World Children’s Day, let’s recognize and uphold every child’s inherent rights. Children are not just the future; they are the vibrant, dynamic present, continuously unfolding…
Navigating the complex world of emotions can be challenging for children, who often experience feelings more intensely than adults. Our holistic curriculum means we recognize the importance of both emotional and academic learning in nurturing the whole child. We use a gentle and respectful approach that helps children accept their feelings and learn how to…
When children have the opportunity to engage with woodworking projects, they develop a sense of competence, increase their self-confidence, and learn responsibility. They also improve their hand-eye coordination, build strength, and increase their fine-motor control. In our Roots class this fall, our young ones between the ages of 4 and 7 embarked on a hands-on…
When we think of education, the first two teachers that come to mind are adults and peers – but there’s a silent instructor in every classroom that’s just as influential: the physical environment, or what we like to call “The Third Teacher.” The concept of the Third Teacher originates from the understanding that children interact…