Our Day
Our Rhythm
There is no such thing as a typical day at Tiny Wilds. Depending on where the children guide us, each session is a little different. We do however, have a daily rhythm that is conscious, consistent and fluid, helping children to feel held, secure and able to engage fully in their day.
The day begins with Circle in our beautiful yurt, where we come together, pause and listen to each other. The circle encourages unity, respect, and turn-taking. At the end of our circle we discuss our plans for the day - possibly someone has the desire to be creative with paint, water, or perhaps dressing up as tigers!
Exploratory Play
After circle we spend time in the Tiny Wilds field, where the children have space to be creative, to run, jump, climb, and take risks safely. There are places to be quiet, cosy and reflective too. Children can free-flow between the inside and outside learning environments, whatever the weather, engaging in sensory play and exploring sensory activities. Singing and music are also part of our daily life, as well as making time for gardening, painting, dancing, yoga and movement based games.
Quiet Time
After lunch, we stay together for lots of shared stories. This is usually followed by a group discussion, encouraging children to ask questions or challenge topics that we have been reading about. The children at Tiny Wilds are told many marvellous stories: fairy tales, nature stories and ancient folk tales from varied cultures. Story times are always a very important moment in the day, engaging their imaginations, helping them to focus and to relax.
Going with the Flow
In the afternoon we might decide to take a trip down to the river - just a short 10 minute walk away - where we can play and explore the meadows and mossy woods. Or we may bake something delicious such as flapjacks for our snack or craft something beautiful together as a group.
Or we might just spend the afternoon in the sand pit!
Winding Down
As we come to the end of our day we begin to engage the children in clearing things away. We encourage the children to have involvement in this daily activity for as long as their interest lasts, teaching them how to tidy up in a way that they will not recognise as a chore. Finally, we all wind down together at the end of the day with some yoga, before a final story.
Although our daily routine remains consistent, a child’s personal care and needs will be met whenever required throughout the day - nappy changing, toileting and rest times happen in harmony with the individual child.