Blessed with the opportunity to help our little seedlings sprout and grow.
Our Rhythm of the Day…
…… and what it means for your child.
Think of the "Rhythm of the Day" like a cozy, familiar dance that kids and their caregivers follow together in a program. It's all about creating a day that feels safe and predictable, but with plenty of room for a little spontaneous wiggle or a leisurely stroll.
So, imagine a typical day like a blend of different tunes - some are lively and get everyone moving and laughing, while others are more like gentle lullabies, perfect for calming down or curling up with a book. The kids get to know what comes next, like a favourite part of a song, which makes them feel all secure and comfortable.
But here's the cool part: it's not rigid like a march. If the kids are super interested in something, or if they just need a bit more time to finish their masterpiece in the art corner, that's okay. The rhythm bends a bit to keep everyone feeling happy and engaged.
The "Rhythm of the Day" refers to a structured, yet flexible, daily schedule that provides consistency and predictability in a program or educational setting.
Here's how it's typically characterized:
1. Consistency: The rhythm of the day involves a consistent sequence of activities. This regularity helps children feel secure and understand what to expect next, reducing anxiety and resistance to transitions.
2. Balance: It balances various types of activities – active and quiet, individual and group, indoor and outdoor, learning and play. This ensures that the children's physical, emotional, and cognitive needs are met throughout the day.
3. Flexibility: While the structure is important, the rhythm of the day also allows for flexibility. It accommodates the natural flow of the day and the children's interests and energy levels, rather than adhering strictly to the clock.
4. Transitions: Smooth transitions between activities are a key component. These transitions are often signaled by rituals or cues, like songs, chimes, or specific verbal announcements, helping children shift from one activity to another with ease.
5. Pacing: The rhythm takes into account the natural pace of the children, allowing enough time for them to engage deeply with an activity without feeling rushed. It respects the individual pace of each child while maintaining a group flow.
6. Reflective of Nature: In a nature-based program, the rhythm of the day often mirrors natural rhythms, like light and dark, and may change with the seasons. This helps children develop a connection with and understanding of the natural world.
7. Inclusive of Routine Needs: It includes time for routine needs, like meals, rest, and hygiene, ensuring that these are integral, predictable parts of the day.
8. Responsive to the Group: The rhythm can be adjusted based on the group's dynamics, energy, and mood. It's responsive to the children's needs and interests, making the day feel organic and engaging.
By establishing a "rhythm of the day," programs provide a framework that supports children's learning and development while also offering the flexibility to adapt to their changing needs and interests. This approach helps to create a harmonious, nurturing, and effective learning environment.
Our Philosophy.
The philosophy of Mountain Sprouts, a nature-based children's playgroup, encompasses several key principles:
1. Holistic Development: The program recognises the importance of nurturing all aspects of a child's development – physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and creative – through interaction with the natural world.
2. Attachment and Security: Rooted in attachment theory, the philosophy emphasizes the importance of a secure and trusting relationship between children and their caregivers. This secure base enables children to explore and learn with confidence.
3. Nature as a Teacher: The program views nature not just as a setting for activities, but as an integral teacher. It encourages children to learn from and interact with the natural environment, fostering respect and a sense of stewardship for the earth.
4. Child-Led Exploration: The philosophy supports the idea that children learn best through play and exploration driven by their own interests and curiosities. Activities are designed to be open-ended and flexible, allowing for child-led discovery.
5. Community and Connection: The program aims to build a sense of community among participants – children, families, and facilitators alike. It values the role of social interaction and shared experiences in the growth and well-being of both individuals and communities.
6. Resilience and Adaptability: Through various activities and experiences in nature, children are encouraged to develop resilience and adaptability. This involves learning to navigate challenges, manage risks, and adapt to changing situations.
7. Mindfulness and Well-being: There's an emphasis on mindfulness and the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. Activities are designed to promote calm, focus, and a sense of well-being.
8. Inclusivity and Diversity: The philosophy and program include an emphasis on inclusivity, and ensure that children of all backgrounds and abilities have the opportunity to participate and benefit from the program.
9. Lifelong Learning: The program seeks to instill a love of learning and curiosity, viewing education as a lifelong journey that extends beyond the space and into the broader world.
10. Empowerment through Autonomy: While providing a safe and guided environment, the philosophy also stresses the importance of empowering children by allowing them degrees of autonomy, fostering self-confidence and decision-making skills.
This philosophy combines respect for each child's individuality with the recognition of the value of nature, community, and secure relationships in the developmental process.
Us.
Melissa:
Director and Head Mentor
Melissa spent over 20 years in early childhood education and as a qualified teacher within the Australian school system.
Her time there helped her develop a truer sense of education and learning and moved her to look at alternate avenues outside the traditional.
As a mother of 2 young boys, Mel’s philosophy around learning is reflected in what Mountain Sprouts hopes to achieve, being hands-on, play-based, child-lead, and truly supportive.
With a passion for family support, Mel also believes that strong communication and bonds with the family unit as a whole has the greatest benefit for our children’s life-long development
Clayton:
Mentor Support
Clayton is a father and entrepreneur.
As both, his talent lies in finding what and where someone’s full potential lies and guiding and encouraging them to continue pushing the level of what that can be.
Character building and living a warrior life of honor and integrity are sacred in our home. Guided by the strong energies of the mountain, Clayton hopes to help channel and present this as a path for our little sprouts on their new journey.