What a fantastic start to the New Year as Free Range Kiddos.
Exploring the ravine is truly a dream. Free-ranging in our idyllic patch of wooded paradise is everything we could ever ask for. All of our senses are activated. Textures and smells; sights and sounds; we even tasted a few freshly uncovered chives left from the fall. We noticed baby turkey tails growing on the side of downed logs and soft patches of moss and lichen. We heard the geese passing above and shared our cozy gully with our friendly deer family. They know they are safe and this is still their home. It's truly a privilege to share this land with them and so many more woodland friends. The children collected nature treasures to offer as a New Year offering to Mother Earth; a welcome to the New Year and a thank you for sharing.
“My heart and soul are just full of gratitude and joy for this space; this land; the way we get to do what we do. I feel so grateful for the way we love the world."
As we headed in the direction of the sky, we found Garlic Mustard, Motherwort, beautiful sticks, and flowered ground cover with which we decorated a log arching up into the sky. Everyone was climbing and crawling, riding and rolling their way through the woods. Navigating our Earth's terrain is some of the most valuable gross motor experiences one can have. Their developing muscle groups stretch and strengthen with each step. Their creative imaginations turn trees into buses and sticks into magic wands. Working together, we built a natural fence surrounding our part of the ravine. Everyone also had fun using their imaginations with a few extra boxes we had. Lined up, they created a train to see unicorns on safari. I definitely want to take part in that safari.
We've had lots of variations of our small free-range flock over the past few weeks and having almost everyone back together, it seems they haven't skipped a beat. Some were so excited to be back with "friends". We welcomed the sunshine this month with open arms. It was an excellent start and a definite spirit booster. Medicine for the soul. We explored the ravine and this glorious sunshine a lot. Climbing and navigating the fallen trees and branches. We enjoy moving large sticks to our natural fence surrounding the ravine. We're really building it up nicely. Their imaginations soar and their growing gross motor muscles develop and give them the confidence they need to take risks and bravely test their own limitations. This boosts their confidence, fosters resilience and helps them to practice patience and persistence.
We played Wildcraft, a fun board game introducing many of nature's medicinal plants and all of their magical healing powers for almost any ailment. Learning as much as we can about the world around us is not only beneficial, it keeps us safe as well. Connecting with nature, and grounding ourselves in her natural healing is everything. We still have a small spruce seed we planted in the spring hibernating in the playroom, Bruce the Spruce. This month we planted a few evergreen bags which we will nurture until spring when we can hopefully plant them in a small pot in a small, yet-to-be-built, greenhouse area.
Our slippery sloppy magically muddy surroundings offered much to explore this month. From puddle jumping to collaborative fort building. Some enjoyed balancing in the ravine while others giggled and wiggled as they rolled around on the Earth's soft bed of leaves. Such remarkable movement navigating the terrain of the ravine, climbing up the incline on each side. Guiding some of their steps, each and every kiddo is absolutely capable. "I can do it!" Building their own self-esteem and picking each other up with confidence and compassion.
This month we shared so much conversation about compassion and community. As a group, we read some great books on some important work that was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrating and honoring MLK this month was seen, heard, and remembered by everyone. Some of our favorite reads this week dove into a few more details like “A for Activism” by Innosanto Niagara. We talked about what it means to want change in the world. How can we help create a safe and loving world for everyone? Martin Luther King had a dream. "What is your dream? What do you want to see change? How can you help?" We heard everything from crafting together to loving one another. We crafted clouds with their answers and decorated them with sequins of course.
My heart and soul are just full of gratitude and joy for this space; this land; the way we get to do what we do. I feel so grateful for the way we love the world. We spotted a possum at the top of the other side of the ravine and proceeded to watch it cross all the way to the other side. A very special rare sighting. We've seen a groundhog poke their adorable head out of their home in the holes of the earth beside the big black walnut tree. And the numerous amazing sounds of birds, squirrels, geese, and crows that surround us; surprising us with something new each and every day. Foraging with toddlers is the most fun. In addition to eagerness to learn, they are full of pride when they discover natural treasures, and they are eager to share them with others. We teach the knowledge of the Earth. We thank her for sharing her bounty with us and talk about the safety of always checking with an adult before putting something in our mouth. This is Homesteading. This is living. This ravine is truly becoming our very own sanctuary. Our Haven.
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