CONSCIOUS KIDS ONE DAY PROGRAMME runs one day a week during term time, allowing kids to escape their normal routine and take their learning outside the classroom. Like our holiday programme, the One Day Programme offers a 100% nature-based experience that gets Kiwi kids outside, developing social competence in mixed-aged groups, self-confidence in their problem-solving abilities, and awareness and sensitivity to the environment through unstructured/ free play in nature.  With passionate and experienced educators, low adult to child ratios (1:8), and a consistent group of children throughout the term, the One Day Programme is able to nurture authentic, trusting relationships, and provide individualised learning extension and support.

“Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as the most important events in their lives.’ Thomas Berry

Children will have the opportunity to make their own choices and follow their own interests and curiosities within a framework of respect for those around them and the environment. Our educators observe the children closely, document their learning through photos and stories, and extend their thinking through authentic conversation, the provision of resources, and offering of skill-building workshops in areas such as marine biology, fishing, shelter building, or fire starting.  At Conscious Kids we recognise the environment as the ‘3rd teacher’, and as the children experience nature throughout the seasons, they are gifted with innumerable opportunities for memorable, authentic learning.   

Here is a snapshot, this is a real example from one of our programmes:  The children noticed a sea bird in obvious distress.  The group developed a plan of action to assist, considering the safety of the bird and of themselves.  In spite of massive excitement and desire of each to be the ‘rescuer’, children talked through their ideas and worked collectively, supported by the educator, to come to a consensus on the way forward.  Google was accessed as a resource for finding a bird rescue service, and a parent helper delivered the bird there.  The following week we received an update from ‘the Bird Lady’ and we discussed the diagnosis of botulism and the probable cause (climate change).  We pondered ways to help, and in response the Bird Lady asked if we could provide small fish as food for the sick birds.  Our group then set to work fishing for tiddlers to deliver, and have continued to do this each week.  The children have been empowered to share their learning with their classroom teachers and school mates. 

Providing the opportunity to learn in a mixed-age setting is another key aspect of our programmes.  Children learn best by observing and interacting with others who are older and younger than they are.  Benefits for younger children include opportunities to engage in and learn from activities that would be too difficult for them to do alone, learning from and being inspired by older children, and receiving care and emotional support.  Benefits for older children include opportunities to practice and develop their nurturing and leadership skill and capacities and to extend their own learning through teaching others.  Age mixing also works as an anti-dote to competitiveness and bullying.[i] 

Conscious Kids is based on Forest Schooling, this is becoming recognised and hugely popular throughout the world. Research shows us that children are missing out on opportunities to play the way generations before they have. Many children are lacking social skills, the ability to solve their own problems and have increased levels of anxiety, simply from missing out on the opportunity to play.  Luckily, in New Zealand we have the choice to take our children out of school one day per week for alternative learning environments, click here for details, and Conscious Kids is proud to provide an option for children that could benefit from this.  For those children who currently homeschool, the One Day Programme provides an opportunity to connect with a group of like-minded explorers in stimulating natural environments.    

‘Giving your child extended periods of uninterrupted, child-directed play in nature, reduces your child's anxiety. Nature is healing.’ Angela Hanscome

At the One Day Programme children will gain:

• Problem Solving Skills

• Social Skills

• Respect for the Environment

• Knowledge about the Environment

• Increased Creativity

• Healthier bodies

• Mindfulness

• Confidence to take risks

Our vision is “Little Seeds for a Better Future” as we believe that children who spend time free-playing in nature will develop the skills and attributes needed to be successful in their by school years, and beyond. The New Zealand Curriculum sets out a vision for young people to be “confident, connected, actively involved, lifelong learners,” and “connected to the land and environment.” We are pleased to work alongside our NZ schools to grow the learners of the future. Please get in touch for more information, we would love to hear from you. Please email oneday@consciouskids.co.nz for more information.

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[i] Gray, Peter, Free to Learn, Basic Books, 2017

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* To ensure our children get the best of our free play spaces and enjoy the Conscious Kids way of play, we require at least 12 children to attend per term/ location.