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 seasonally inspired 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 & Games are incorporated throughout the program. Introducing the fundamentals of music, and games are used to learn concepts and practice cooperative skills.
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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 - 8:30 Arrival and acclimation time with self-directed play*
8:30 - 9 Gathering and greeting: coming together as a group and sharing movement, songs and stories
9 - 9:30 AM Snack
9:30 – 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 – 3:30 Curated indoor/outdoor seasonal activities
3:30 - 4 PM snack
4 - 4:30 Movement curriculum
4:30 - 5 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.
It is Mid-Autumn and we experience the essence of it through the design, signs, and symbols in our environment.
Activities Key:
(Parentheses denote learning concepts)
Activities during a Mid-Autumn Day:
Gathering and Greeting:
Literature and song to experience the essence of Mid-Autumn.
Read, In the Midde of Fall by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Laura Dronzek (literature)
Read, Dr. Seuss’s ABC by Dr. Seuss (literature)
Sing, “The ABC Song” (while pointing to the letters of the alphabet)
Seasonally Curated Activities:
AM:
Literature and Storytelling - Tell the story of “The Little Red House with the Star Inside” (storytelling with a prop)
Science - Make Applesauce (kitchen science)
Math - Connect the Dots (practice math concepts of matching and problem solving)
Movement Curriculum - Following Lines and Learning Directions
PM:
Seasonal Mural - Add texture using the collage method to the Seasonal Mural. (arts and craft)
Music and Games - Sing the “Shape Song” and play the “Shape Game” using shape props.
Science - Construct a spider model and add a simple machine, the pulley. (spider anatomy and building)
Movement Curriculum - Spider Movement and Making Web Patterns
Group Farewell:
The essence of Mid-Autumn through literature and song.
Read, The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle (literature)
Sing, “Itsy Bitsy Spider” (song with hand movements)
Recite, "Little Miss Muffet” (nursery rhyme)
Read, The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung, illustrated by Hanna Cha (literature)
Here are some self-directed play options we would offer for the indoors and outdoors during Mid-Autumn.
Indoor:
- Autumn-themed literature
- Wooden unit and Duplo blocks
- People figures
- Art station with Autumn-themed materials
- Tuff tray with roadway, vehicles and building blocks
- Balances
- Dramatic play: baskets of yarn and textured materials
Outdoor:
- Tuff tray with dried plants, leaves and seeds
- Digging, scooping, pouring tools and containers
- Sensory bin with rocks/pebbles
- Balls/ropes
- Balance beam
- Walks to the park to play and trail walk
Please contact us if you’re interested in having your child join our program.
Benefits of an Early Childhood Nature-Based 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.”
