The School of Natural Rhythms
We understand that by being in deep relation with our wild surroundings we are ultimately learning to be more in tune with ourselves. For the student, everything in nature is evoking a sensory experience -- the scent of the cedar tree and the gurgle of running water. This connection resurrects their cosmic memory of who they really are.
The School of Natural Rhythms is based on a Village School Model -- accepting participants ranging from 4 to 12 years of age.
Mentorships and Private Home/Community Education can be organized as outreach projects. Lead Teacher, Jenna McDonald, of Natural Rhythms is open to relocating the program and merging with similar educational institutions.
Program Content & Learning Methodologies
By spending time in the forests, gardens and meadows of life a deep cellular remembrance takes place. This connection to the land is vital to our awakening to the pure joy of being. Children have the innate capacity to tap into this rhythm of nature and we see an increased capacity for self-acceptance, compassion and attention when they are supported by an outdoor education.
Participants will be exposed to Primitive Skills (bow-drill, shelter creation, wild harvesting, etc.), Nature Awareness Practices, Natural Building and Garden Experiments. We will also use movement, such as Dance and Yoga, as well as music to promote mind-body coordination as we foster healthy balance in growing youth.
While we see immense value in spending time in play and practice, we recognize it is ultimately our pressence, as guides, which creates the program. It takes an emotionally and spiritually mature guide to embody these practices. We also recognize that the teaching does not end at the culmination of the school day, but extends deep into the daily way of life at home.
Below is an example of what the flow of a class could be -- however we are open to the opportunities that arise as "curriculum of the moment." Some of our best lessons come from the willingness to throw the schedule away and follow the enthusiasm of our youth participants. But just in case you were wondering what our days may look like...
9:30 am -- Arrive at Wind Meadow Farm for Opening Circle (this time may include storytelling, poems, songs, thanks-giving, movement, stretching, etc. Circle helps bring us together and prepare for the day as a community).
10:00 am -- Movement Activity, Animal Form Yoga, Game
10:30 am -- Morning Project (Garden and Dirt, Wilderness Exploration, Art and Creative Projects, Herbal/Food Medicine Experiment, etc.)
12:00 pm -- Lunch and Sit-Spot (and telling the stories of our sit-spot experience!)
1:00 pm -- Movement Activity, Game
1:30 pm -- Curiosity Curriculum -- Group Nature Exploration or Observation
2:00 pm -- Afternoon Project (Continuation of Morning Project or related activity)
3:00 pm -- Clean-Up and Closing Circle
3:30 pm -- Parent(s) Arrive