Our Approach
Connection.
The energy that exists between [beings] when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.
-Brene Brown
What we stand for and how we do things.
Respect and reciprocity for ourselves, one another, and nature are at the forefront of our teachings.
We teach these values by leading by example. So if we're out harvesting Stinging Nettles together, don't be surprised when you see us gently yanking out a few strands of hair from our heads and offering them to the plants as a way of saying thanks and giving back!
Everything in nature has something to teach us.
Even the ground-nesting wasps that leave a painful sting, the relentless rodents who wiggle their way into our homes, and the Devil's Club with unsavory spikes. What's the wisdom that we can learn from these creatures? What "superpowers" do they possess which allow them to survive in the wilderness? How can we demonstrate empathy towards these beings and learn from their resiliency?
All humans desire to be seen, heard, and authentically express who they are.
We all have unique gifts to share. How can we dance together in a way that honors and respects each individual? How can we co-exist where everyone feels safe, seen, soothed, and secure? These questions are at the core of our learning journey with our students.
The knowing is in the doing.
Nature isn't a "museum." We must slow down and sink into our senses to connect to the natural world. We need to be curious and open. What does the dirt feel like in between our toes? How does the dandelion flower taste on our tongue? What does a Cedar frond smell like? A deep relationship with nature goes beyond being an "armchair naturalist." Knowing the names of plants is just the beginning of the connection journey. As William Butler Yeats once said, "Education isn't the filling of a pail. It's the lighting of a fire."
Children are naturally resilient, self-sufficient, and competent in a safe and attuned environment.
As mentors, we must be attuned to each child's autonomic state and individual differences. Rather than a “top-down” approach to behavior, which focuses on the thinking brain, we embrace a “bottom-up” approach, which takes into consideration the essential role of the entire nervous system. The nervous system produces children’s feelings and behaviors.
As Gabor Mate states, "The most important job of the school is to promote healthy brain development. A child with healthy brain development will be naturally curious." As such, we believe that our priority as mentors is to offer co-regulation and cues of safety in order to cultivate healthy brain development amongst our students.
Authentic and direct communication is essential.
If we have something important to share, we'll do our best at the appropriate time and context and include only relevant content. We strive to be clear, kind, and empathetic in our communication and request the same from the families we work with.