We believe children grow naturally through movement, outdoors and in close connection with nature. Time in the fresh air is good for us adults too, especially for our mental well-being and physical fitness. That is one of the reasons we are founding Kapka lesa – so that we can be outdoors every day.
Why we are founding Kapka lesa
We want the children in our care to:
- move naturally throughout the day – with movement as a natural part of every day
- explore the world with all their senses – engaging every sense supports rich connections in the brain and a deeper understanding of the world
- gain values that will carry them forward – friendship, independence, self-belief, the ability to say NO, and resilience to stress
- develop a positive relationship with nature and notice how it changes – the seasons, the weather, the life around them
- experience digital technology in an analogue way – so that digital skills can develop in ways other than using a tablet, phone or computer
And so that all of us – adults and seniors alike – can pass this on to the children together during the time we share in the garden.
The five pillars we build on
Independence – We let children try things on their own, at their own pace, and give them room to manage things with their own hands. We believe they can do it. For us, independence also means that children have the right to say NO and that their boundaries count.
Communication – We teach children to name what they feel and what they need, and to listen to others. Part of this is openness to the world – one morning a week, children will be able to naturally “soak up” English with an English-speaking guide or instructor.
Resilience – We build resilience in both body and mind. We work with a physiotherapist so that children have healthy movement foundations, and we offer cold exposure and sauna as a natural way to get used to discomfort and handle it calmly. We build the same resilience in how we approach emotions and stress.
Cooperation – The forest is our classroom all year round, in all weathers – and together we deal with whatever comes our way there. Children learn to cooperate with each other and with adults, and they share the same environment with parents, grandparents and neighbours in our community garden.
Connection to nature – We spend time outdoors every day, in all weathers. Children naturally notice how nature changes, and nature becomes a natural part of their everyday life.
What we want to put into practice
- healthy movement in cooperation with a physiotherapist
- the chance to soak up English with an English-speaking guide/instructor
- sauna sessions
- cold-exposure (hardening) activities
- visits to a salt cave (under consideration)
- as much independence for children as possible – in everything they can manage themselves
“We want children to remember their childhood by the smell of hay, not by the pattern on the carpet.”