TairaRDec 9, 20212 minCelebrating Advent: A Nature-based ApproachThe word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming.” Traditionally, the season of Advent lasts for four Sundays...
TairaRNov 27, 20212 minBenefits of Forest SchoolAs outdoor programs gain popularity, more and more research on forest schools is to be found. The areas of benefit identified by a number...
TairaRSep 25, 20211 minHello, Autumn!For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, the autumnal equinox ushers in a time of shorter days and longer nights. We notice...
TairaRAug 13, 20211 minA Poem Gives Voice to VoiceDid you ever read a story or quote or poem that is just right for you in that moment? It seems like it was meant just for you. The timing...
TairaRJul 15, 20211 minMoving WestwardIt's happening! Emerald Heart is heading to the coast. We enjoyed being in Fairfax. And feel truly grateful for all of our forest friends...
TairaRMay 8, 20212 minStrengthening Kindness MusclesIf a challenge becomes a learning opportunity, we can benefit from any challenge. That's my motto. And that is just what happened last...
TairaRApr 25, 20211 minPink Moon WisdomToday is the super Pink Moon. The moon will not look pink, unfortunately, but as a supermoon, it will appear to be larger and brighter as...
TairaRApr 5, 20212 minSatisfying In Every WayAs a teacher, emergent curriculum is often exciting, creative and satisfying in every way. It starts with presencing and listening, which...
TairaRApr 1, 20211 minMy Squirmy SecretMost kids love worms. I was not that kid. I'm not that adult. I'm thinking about worms because of our recent full moon, whose name is...
TairaRMar 28, 20211 minFirst Full Moon Of SpringOne of the names for the March full moon is Worm Moon. Others are Wind Strong Moon and Goose Moon. Recently, while walking along Tomales...
TairaRMar 22, 20211 minInner LandscapeIn my home place it is spring! Happy Spring! Live in the southern hemisphere? Happy Autumn to you! Either way, we are entering into a...
TairaRMar 15, 20212 minDecisions DecisionsDecisions! Decisions! We all make decisions every day. Should I drink some water now? Small daily decisions are typically not that big of...
TairaRMar 6, 20211 minColor Matching GameOne morning at forest school, the children went on a Color Hunt. The next day, they played a variation--a Color Matching Game. Is this...
TairaRMar 3, 20211 minColorful Soul FoodI grew up in a family of artists. Color feeds my soul. In winter, I savor the myriad of browns and grays. Now the first blues, purples...
TairaRFeb 27, 20211 minName Your Full MoonOne of the names for the February full moon is Storm Moon. Another is Snow Moon. Traditionally, the full moon name was given to each...
TairaRFeb 14, 20212 minMessy Yummy Mud!When I had my own preschool classroom, one of the favorite items was the wooden kitchen. It had belonged to my daughter and was so well...
TairaRFeb 7, 20212 minWinter Craft: Treasure WeavingThe children at Emerald Heart Forest School love this nature-based craft. Whether you make this with your child, your students or your...
TairaRJan 31, 20211 minOn TrackDuring various times of my life, a particular animal has appeared as a messenger and inspiration. On January 1st, I was hoping for an...
TairaRJan 28, 20211 minMoon WisdomHappy Full Moon! One of the names for the January full moon is Wolf Moon. Another is Cold Moon. Typically, the names are based on what is...
TairaRJan 26, 20211 minWelcome to our Forest Lessons blogYou are invited to take off your shoes and meander through Forest Lessons, a growing gathering of musings, activities and inspirations!...