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 Early Autumn and we experience the essence of it through storytelling and dramatic play..
Activities Key:
(Parentheses denote learning concepts)
Activities during an Early Autumn Day:
Gathering and Greeting:
Literature and song to practice storytelling and dramatic play.
Read, Autumn by Gerda Muller (practice storytelling with this wordless picture book)
Read, Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey (literature)
Sing, “The Bear Went Over the Mountain” (movement song)
Seasonally Curated Activities:
AM:
Read - We’re Going On a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (read and become familiar with the story)
Science - Tactile Tubs- Build a set using tactile tubs to represent the different environments in the story. (sensory science)
Arts and Crafts - Create a bear puppet to use with the story. (craft)
Dramatic Play - Children act out the story using the set and the bear puppet.
Movement Curriculum - Over/Under movement
PM:
Read - Stone Soup retold by Heather Forest, illustrated by Susan Gaber (read and become familiar with the story)
Arts and Crafts - Create the Props - Food and soup pot (craft)
Dramatic Play - Costumes- Children use dress-up clothes to create characters to act out the story.
Learn a Line - Children memorize one line that they say together throughout the story. (language and vocabulary)
Movement Curriculum - Soup Dance
Group Farewell:
The essence of Early Autumn through literature and song.
Sing, “The More We Get Together” (song)
Read, Going to Sleep on the Farm by Wendy Cheyette Lewison, illustrated by Juan Wijngaard (literature)
Read, The Barn Owls by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray (literature)
Here are some self-directed play options we would offer for the indoors and outdoors during Early Autumn.
Indoor:
- Autumn-themed literature
- Large cardboard blocks
- People figures
- Art station with Autumn-themed materials
- Tuff tray with small parts from dramatic plays to recreate stories on a smaller scale
- Dramatic play: props and costumes for stories
- Puppets
Outdoor:
- Tuff tray with dried plants, leaves and seeds
- Digging, scooping, pouring tools and containers
- Sensory bin with rocks/pebbles
- Balls/ropes
- 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.”
