
KVFS Delayed 2 Hours

KVFS students stayed warm, busy, and engaged indoors during the extra cold temperatures last week. Each day students practice fine motor development like pencil holding, scissor cutting, and number formation. Hands-on math materials help students gain concrete mathematical concepts. Despite the colder temperatures our students were thrilled to go out and explore the snow and ice after a warm up inside.
#kvfs
#kickapoovalleyreserve
#kickapoovalleyforestschool
#forestschool
#connectexploreengage
#outdoorlearning
#outdooreducation
#wildschooling
#natureschooling
#explore
#optoutside
#naturekids
#forestschools
#learningthroughplay
#childhoodunplugged
#lafargewi




In just under two hours, we are expecting the FIRST version of KVFS coverage on CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell.
Due to all the national news this week about how schools are coping with current conditions, they broadened the focus of the story a bit and didn't use all the footage they captured last week.
We have been told they are planning to run a SECOND version of the segment on Saturday, which will be more focused on the KVFS and its people and places.
If you miss any of the broadcasts we'll be posting links as soon as we have them.


Winter is here! In general, our students and staff are outside from 8:00 - 1:00, in all types of weather. This first week back after break we enjoyed exploring the winter landscapes of the KVR, and eating lunch by the fire. #LearningFromtheOutsideIn





Thank you for all the interest in our upcoming CBS coverage!
We were originally told the segment would air tonight, 1/6/22, but now are being told that it will probably air on Monday, 1/10/2022. We will update our friends and families when we know more!


Fuzzy microphones, fancy cameras and great questions from a friendly crew! On a cold and snowy January day, KVFS students were happy to talk about their school, the weather, and much more! Stay tuned for more information on an upcoming KVFS feature on the CBS Evening News!



KVFS in the news again!
https://lacrossetribune.com/community/vernonbroadcaster/news/state-national-spotlights-shine-on-kickapoo-valley-forest-school/article_ef7f88bb-15c2-52e9-ae27-49850ba22105.html


KVFS making national news!
This is a different version of the story that played on WPR yesterday.
Link: https://www.npr.org/2021/12/21/1066169801/as-the-pandemic-persists-more-schools-embrace-outdoor-classes


Tree climbing!
Supported, safe environment for healthy risk taking.
#learningfromtheoutsidein #lafargewisconsin #connectexploreengage #publicforestschool #learningwithnature



Students took time this week to check out a library book from our growing KVFS library. The KVFS library is thoughtfully curated by staff and trained librarians. Many of the books found in this library are nature themed and/or depict children from various backgrounds. Students will be able to check out books as they return the previous one. We hope that this helps nurture a lifelong love for books!


Kickapoo Valley Forest School will be dismissing at 1:00pm today. Please call the school office with changes to your child's dismissal plans.


We have been reading The Adventures of Bobby Racoon by Thornton Burgess at rest time. And so today, on our morning adventure, when the children found a big hollow tree trunk they were sure it was Bobby’s hollow tree! Climbing inside the trunk was a wonderful sensory experience and also a wonderful opportunity to take turns. You never know what kinds of treasures you are going to find in the forest!
#LearningfromtheOutsideIn
#lafargewi
#iloveforestschool
#connectexploreengage
#outdoorexploration
#publicforestschool





Involving kids in sourcing ingredients and helping to prepare a meal is a wonderful way to encourage them to try new foods and also a special way to build community. Everyone was very enthusiastic about chopping veggies for stone soup last week! #LearningfromtheOutsideIn




Last week our first snow brought shrieks of delight! On what some adults called a “miserable day” our students had their first fire and enjoyed lunch in its warmth. More children than usual slept at rest time and then they went roaring back out for more. Their eyes were bright with the excitement of the first snow and the new shifts in our daily rhythm.
#LearningfromtheOutsideIn
#lafargewi
#iloveforestschool
#connectexploreengage
#outdoorexploration
#publicforestschool
#leaningwithnature


Our days are filled with ample opportunities for children to work together.
Solving physical challenges and working together sets them up for real world success.
For example when students team up to push the snack wagon!
Speaking of teamwork, big thanks to the wonderful crew at KVR who teamed up to move a heavy HVAC unit into one of our classrooms.
#teamwork
#LearningfromtheOutsideIn
#lafargewi
#iloveforestschool
#connectexploreengage
#outdoorexploration
#publicforestschool



During the forest school day, children engage in deep play. From building structures together, to creating imaginative worlds, to helping build fires to stay toasty warm. The KVFS staff supports children to problem-solve, navigate conflict with positive results, and help each other accomplish great things while honoring relationships.
#LearningfromtheOutsideIn
#lafargewi
#iloveforestschool
#connectexploreengage
#outdoorexploration
#publicforestschool



The weather has turned wintry but that doesn’t stop us! Children who play outside in all weather strengthen their resilience and adaptability. And talk about a sensory experience! Playing with sticks and mud and water all while the rain is sprinkling down. What fun!
Wearing the right gear for the weather allows our forest school students to experience nature in all seasons!
#learningoutdoors #seasonschange #LearningfromtheOutsideIn #lafargewi #iloveforestschool #connectexploreengage #outdoorexploration #publicforestschool


At forest school students have the opportunity to engage with the mathematical world through their experiences with nature. For example, children notice patterns found on leaves, animals, seeds, water and sticks. Children’s mathematical minds are intrigued noticing the many details, repetition, symmetry, tessellation, and lines in the patterning. Children closely observe and pick up on these patterns with great enthusiasm.
#emergentcurriculum #publicforestschool #connectexploreengage #learningfromtheoutsidein #outsideisourcurriculumv #lafargewi



Every day KVFS students have the opportunity to engage deeply with a sensory experience of their physical environment. Playing in sand, making mud cookies and cakes, taking off their shoes, rolling down hills- these are all experiences that bring the children deeply into their physical bodies and also build foundational scientific knowledge about the natural environment.
#publicforestschool #connectexploreengage #learningfromtheoutsidein #outsideisourcurriculum


Making huge piles of leaves and burying our friends or jumping in the piles, works all our muscles! Not just our coordination and strength, but our capacity to take turns and negotiate needs.
#LearningfromtheOutsideIn
#lafargewi
#iloveforestschool
#connectexploreengage
#outdoorexploration
#publicforestschool

