Oriolus Kids
An Early Childhood Program where Children Experience, Explore and Express their Nature.
EXPERIENCE EXPLORE EXPRESS
With Oriolus Kids, children have the opportunity to…
Experience a kinship with nature that will continue throughout their lives
Explore nature through the seasons practicing lifelong learning skills
Express through the arts and sciences while playing, creating and investigating
Oriolus Kids is a pathway to the awareness of and engagement with the human-nature interconnection.
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Oriolus Kids is a seasonally inspired, nature-based program offering experiences in the arts and sciences.
This program was created and is operated by two women with 35 years of cumulative knowledge and experience working with children.
The environment is a screen-free, in-home setting with a fenced yard for a small group of children ages 2 1/2 - 6 years.
We are located in the Nine Springs Neighborhood on the Southeast side of Madison, Wisconsin. Parks, trails and natural areas surround our neighborhood.
Program days and hours are Tuesday - Thursday, 8 AM - 5 PM.
Full day or half day options (8 AM - 12 PM or 1 PM - 5 PM) available.
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Two experienced adults in early childhood education will provide indoor/outdoor seasonal activities and experiences in the arts and sciences.
Seasonal Mural created using a process, cooperative art method and multiple mediums.
Choosing a Tree to visit and observe throughout the seasons.
Movement Activities making a body/nature connection through movement that captures the essence of the seasons with stories and songs. This early childhood movement curriculum was created for Oriolus Kids by Sabina Mapp, who has a BA in Dance and a MA in Dance Anthropology.
Gardening on-site, in a raised garden bed. Also introducing seasonal eating and cooking.
Focus Walks on trails in our neighborhood's natural areas and park.
Science using a scientific method adapted for early childhood development. Also introducing Simple Machines.
Literature and Storytelling that reflects the essence of each season using classic and award-winning literature, puppetry, and dramatic/theatrical play.
Arts & Crafts opportunities to experience multiple mediums, including natural materials, and introducing the fundamentals of art.
Math Concepts are incorporated throughout the program's activities and introduce the fundamentals of math.
Music & Songs are incorporated throughout the program introducing the fundamentals of music.
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The schedule includes a general time frame for activities throughout the day. We provide a consistent schedule for each day, yet we adapt to the natural rhythm of the group.
*During self-directed playtime, we offer a variety of materials that change seasonally.
8:30 - 9 Arrival and acclimation time with self-directed play*
9 - 9:30 Gathering and greeting: coming together as a group and sharing movement, songs and stories
9:30 - 10 AM snack
10 – 11:30 Curated indoor/outdoor seasonal activities and seasonal sensorial walks
11:30 - 12 Movement curriculum
12 – 12:30 Lunch
12:30 - 1 Rest period
1 - 1:30 Acclimation time for PM arrivals and self-directed play* for all
1:30 – 3 Curated indoor/outdoor seasonal activities
3 - 3:30 PM snack
3:30 - 4 Movement curriculum
4 - 4:30 Group farewell: coming together as a group to end our day with movement, songs and stories
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Each day we engage in activities that are representational of the seasonal phase we are experiencing.
In the essence of Mid Spring, we are innately inspired to jump into creative action. We plant the seeds of desires, intentions, and plans. We give form to our ideas and find balance in practical, cooperative work.
Activities Key:
Italics express the human-nature interconnection
(Parentheses denote learning concepts)
Activities during a Mid Spring Day:
Gathering and Greeting:
The essence of Mid Spring: awakening, emerging and planting.
Read, When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Laura Dronzek (literature)
Sing, “Bear is Sleeping,” children act out this song with puppets (song, dramatic play)
Read, The Wind Blew by Pat Hutchins (literature)
Read, Ten Seeds by Ruth Brown (literature)
Seasonally Curated Activities:
AM:
Science - We are experiencing and interacting with the element of air.
Catching Air - We go outside and find an open space to test the air catching qualities of various materials. (physics)
Math - After experiencing the element of air, we practice math concepts using the kite shape and a counting rhyme “Kites.” (counting, colors, patterns, verse)
Movement Curriculum - The essence of Mid Spring in movement.
Wind and Scarves - Observing scarf movement and imitating motion. (movement curriculum)
PM:
Science - In Mid Spring, we plant a seed with desire, intention and plans.
Plant a Seed - Each child plants a seed to start a seedling that will later be planted in the garden. (botany)
Music and Games - Life abounds above and below ground.
Above Ground and Below Ground - In this game with music, children will experience being a seed below and above ground. (listening, gross motor, dramatic play)
Arts and Crafts -The migratory birds return in Mid Spring.
Children craft a bird shape, identifying simple bird anatomy. After birds have been crafted, we attach a string and observe the bird shape moving through the air. (following directions, zoology, physics)
Movement Curriculum - The essence of Mid Spring expressed through movement. This activity is correlated to the Spring Equinox, a time of equal light and dark.
Balance Activities- Children practice various balance activities. (movement curriculum)
Group Farewell:
The essence of Mid Spring in literature and storytelling.
Oral Storytelling - Using story prompts to spark our imaginations and practice storytelling. (boosting vocabulary, memory, imagination, practicing speech)
Stories related to activities we’ve explored today:
Read, Balancing Act by Ellen Stoll Walsh (literature)
Read, Birds by Kevin Henkes (literature)
Here are some self-directed play options we would offer for the indoors and the outdoors during Mid Spring.
Indoor:
- Spring-themed literature
- Building materials to create structures
- Animal figures that represent animals that have awakened from hibernation in Mid Spring
- Art station with Spring-themed materials
- Dramatic play: scarves, streamers, materials that catch the air. Planting a seed themed dramatic play items.
Outdoor:
- Shovels and containers
- Mud Kitchen
- Balance Beam
- Walks to the park to play and trail walks
Please contact us if you’re interested in having your child join our program.
Benefits of an Early Childhood Nature Program
Children that have the opportunity to experience nature are:
More engaged learners as it enhances their critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Playing outdoors improves coordination and fine and gross motor skills.
A nature program encourages the development of empathy for the living world.
Benefits of Living Seasonally
With Oriolus Kids, we practice a life lived in a natural rhythm through the seasons. Through this practice, children experience the following benefits.
Balanced Living—Living in conjunction with the seasons promotes a balanced life, reducing the constant pressure to be productive year-round. Recognizing times of action and rest throughout the cycles leads to overall well-being.
Greater Resilience—Living in nature's rhythm builds resilience. Periods of rest help with recovery and recharge, making one more ready for active times.
Enhanced Flexibility- This approach reduces the stress of rigid deadlines and allows for a more fluid progression, a natural ebb and flow.
Improved Focus—Seasonal living helps with what matters most at any given time. Thus, one is more likely to be present and intentional in one's efforts
“If the children show interest in nature, they share their vast knowledge of the subject material. Week after week, year after year, their lesson plan design fits the needs of all children.”
“This program is so special and thoughtful. I like the intention for creating a space for children to play and connect through nature and each other. Tying the connection between nature and the human experience is a lovely way for children to develop a healthy sense of belonging and of self.”
