Outdoor RIE Inspired Nature Classes (Week 4)

RIE-inspired nature-based classes for kids 2-8. (Younger or older kids are welcome to participate but classes are geared toward this age group.)

Date/Time: Fridays, starting January 26th for 4 weeks, from 10am – 12pm.
Location: Forest Glen Woods, 5420 N Forest Glen Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Registration is required for the entire 4-week series. The cost is $40/child. ($10 per class). Click the link to fill out the registration form (below), at the end of the form is a link to pay for the class.

REGISTER NOW

ABOUT THE CLASSES

This is a series of facilitated classes where parents are expected to stand back and observe. As the instructor/facilitator, I will be responsible for setting boundaries, managing conflict, supporting play, facilitating a shared snack time (snack provided), and whatever else comes up.
These classes are meant to combine the best of what I’ve learned from the RIE approach along with the Forest School philosophy. These classes are meant as a way to see these approaches (particularly the RIE approach) in action. They provide an opportunity to explore respectful parenting practices through observation and discussion.

As parents and caregivers, we often want to approach caring for our children in ways that are different from what we grew up with or from the parenting norms but it can be intimidating when we’re with other parents and caregivers because we don’t always know how other families are approaching things or what they’re comfortable with.

The goal of these classes is to take the pressure off of parents and caregivers so they can observe these approaches in action. Instead, they are encouraged to observe and appreciate what their child and the other children are doing while a facilitator tends to the children.

STRUCTURE OF THE CLASS

• Meet at the Pavillion between 9:45 and 10:00am.
• At 10:00am we will all walk to the play area together.
• Open play from 10:15am – 11:15am.
• Shared snack at 11:00am. This will be provided and facilitated.
• Discussion from 11:30-11:45am (for parents – about what came up, questions, etc).
• Walk back to trail start at 11:50am.

ADDITIONAL LOGISTICS

When we arrive at the play area, parents will be asked to sit or otherwise position themselves along the perimeter. Their child can stay with them as long as they feel comfortable and move away as they are ready. Parents are encouraged to stay in the same area so their child can return to them as needed (secure base). As children become more comfortable, they may not need this as much.

WHAT TO EXPECT

These classes will be based on the practices from the RIE approach and some of these can be different from the norm. A good resource to learn what to expect can be found from Janet Lansbury’s podcast, Unruffled, in an episode called, 7 Daily Reminders for Parents and covers some of the most important guidelines from RIE. A graphic of the her reminders here:

In these classes, the approaches from RIE mean that we might approach things a little differently than typical too. These are some approaches that we’ll practice during the classes.

We allow kids to do what they are able physically. This means that we don’t help them into places that they can’t get to themselves. We don’t sit them up, help them to climb or walk on trees. If they can’t do it themselves, we can be near to spot them, but otherwise we let them own these accomplishments on their own time.

We encourage kids to work through conflicts with our support. Kids are supported in figuring out conflicts in a way that encourages them to learn to negotiate themselves and does not solve problems for them. We do not enforce sharing, taking turns, timers or otherwise deciding how they will manage conflicts.

We set clear boundaries and understand that challenging behavior is a request for help. Kids are learning who they are and when they are young, it is their job to test the limits of what’s possible. Kids also need to know that they are safe and that they can rely on us to be the one to make sure that they are.

I have been wanting to offer something like this for a long time but the logistics of putting it together are a bit challenging (most RIE classes are indoors with defined walls and generally are geared toward younger kids). Since this is my first time offering this, I’m sure there will be issues that will need to be worked out. Because of this, I’m offering these classes for $10/class (typical rate is $35/class). These concepts have been so helpful to me on my journey as a parent and so I would really like to share them. If price is an issue and you’d like to attend, please let me know and we can work something out.