Nature
At Pilke’s nature-oriented daycare centres, children learn a positive attitude towards nature, outdoor activities and a sustainable lifestyle. The everyday life at daycare involves plenty of outdoor activities, come rain or shine. The daycare centres’ activities place emphasis on wondering and exploring various natural phenomena, and trips are made on a regular basis. Imagination, recycling and the use of nature’s gifts as part of play and learning are an integral part of nature-oriented daycare centres’ everyday operation.
Naturally, time is reserved also for other versatile activities, such as singing, drama, handicraft and painting, not to forget sufficient daily rest. We value each unhurried moment we get to spend conversating, playing or just being silly while exploring the world together.
How is the daycare centre’s nature orientation implemented?
Nature-related experiences of childhood and youth are remarkably significant throughout the human life. Nature provides children with a versatile and inspiring environment for exercise and learning. At Pilke’s
nature-oriented daycare centres, children learn a positive attitude towards nature and sustainable lifestyle. The everyday life at daycare involves plenty of outdoor activities, come rain or shine.
The operation of our nature-oriented daycare units places emphasis on wondering and exploring various natural phenomena, making regular trips and organising outdoor activities in nature. The operation is based on play, common activities and paying attention to the children’s ideas. Everyday phenomena experienced and perceived by the children form the cornerstone of learning. Imagination, recycling and the use of nature’s gifts as part of play, education and the learning environment are an integral part of our nature-oriented daycare centres’ operation. Forests are excellent play environments that inspire a limitless number of ideas for games, exercise and creativity.
Pilke also has three At Home in Nature daycare centres in which outdoor life is the cornerstone of early childhood education. The activities of these units include, for example, occasional naps in lean-tos or hammocks. At Home in Nature is a concept coordinated by the Finnish Outdoor Association since 1999. It aims to provide children in early childhood education and after-school clubs with nature exercise and environment education. At Home in Nature involves outdoor life around the year, come rain or shine.