Guiding Principles
Space & Freedom
We believe in giving children the space to be who they are and the freedom to make meaning of the world in their own unique way. Storyoga Preschool offers a nurturing environment for children to explore and grow into themselves, as themselves.
Aesthetics
We are committed to providing a beautiful and sensory-rich environment for children to learn and explore. We believe this offers children a greater perspective and appreciation for the world around them. Beautiful objects, natural materials, potted plants, and fresh flowers are seen throughout the classroom to inspire aesthetic awareness and to provide motivation for their own creative work to be born.
Respect
Respect for ourselves, for one another, and our earth.
Mother Nature Is Our Teacher
We believe that being in nature takes us back to our true nature of being divinely happy, playful, and free. Perhaps you can recall a time camping in the forest, climbing a tree, or building a fort on the beach. Being in the outdoor world allows us to reconnect to ourselves and takes us back to the basics of slowing down, observing our surroundings, and remembering to tread softly on the earth. There is so much to learn from Mother Nature, beginning with her slow and patient pace. At Storyoga Preschool, we embrace the outdoors as our teacher and use the natural world as inspiration for our learning. We pay close attention to the seasons, and natural cycles of change and growth around us. Immersing ourselves in the outdoor world reminds us that we are all connected and that we all share this earth. We believe that nature sparks creativity, curiosity, and a deep sense of wonder.
Process vs. Product
Storyoga Preschool is not a goal- or product-oriented in such a way to tick the boxes of completion or accomplishment at the end of a task. We honour the learning process as being continuous and one that is reflective of each child. We support each child on their individual learning path and foster the dispositions necessary to be life-long learners.
Image of the Child
We see each child as competent, capable, and unique. We see each child as an integral member of the classroom and society. We see children as teachers and value their part in the shared learning journey. We see children as active learners and recognize play as being the primary vehicle to making meaning of the world around them.
Emergent Curriculum
At Storyoga Preschool, we embrace an emergent curriculum whereby learning is co-constructed alongside the child. “In early childhood education, curriculum isn’t the focus, children are. Curriculum is what happens in an educational environment – not what is rationally planned to happen, but what actually takes place” (Authentic Childhood, pg 160). Rather than planning a year ahead of set “themes”, which are generally teacher directed, our curriculum will unfold freely and will be reflective of the interest and passions of the children and the teachers.
Documentation
Documentation is an integral part of the program and acts to create transparency between teacher, parent, and child. Throughout the year, you can expect to see and receive photos as well as documented ideas/quotes from the children. Not only does this offer parents a glimpse into their child’s learning experience, but it also honours the image of the child as being one that is competent and whose ideas matter.
Yoga in the Classroom
Yoga: to yoke or unite the mind, body, and spirit.
Yoga is something that is practiced as a way of being rather than a way of doing. It is woven into the program in many ways beginning with the peaceful energy set of the class, the way we communicate to one another in a mindful way, our connection to the garden and the outdoors, the natural materials that are used, and an overall holistic approach to nurturing and honouring each child. We embrace yoga days in the class where we roll out our mats and practice the poses together, but strive to work on a deeper level that extends beyond the physical practice and into the hearts and minds of your children.
Words we live by
“The marks on the children’s clothes, the pockets filled with sand, the paint in the hair – these are the indicators of architects, artists, and scientists in training. If we worry too much about wet or dirty clothing we can place a real damper on the spirit of learning and self-discovery.” ~ author unknown
Testimonials
What Kids are saying
- “Once upon a time there was a little girl named Mattea and she always liked to go to Storyoga. The little girl had so much fun at Storyoga that she even didn’t want to leave.” ~ Mattea, 4
- “She reads us stories and we colour. I love drawing inside the shapes – and about Vanessa, I love her!” ~ Darien, 4
- I like doing the downward dog and the pom – pom blessing. I like yoga because it is good for your body and we learn about nature.” ~ Lucas, 6
- “I like the stories Vanessa read to us, and I liked doing Namaste Mountain.” ~ Renee, 6
What Parents are saying
- “I heard about your classes and camps from several of the Sidney Preschool moms. I’ve talked to quite a few people about your classes at Strongstart, Preschool, and in Logan’s Kindergarten and I have never heard a bad thing. You should be really proud of the strong reputation you have built in your small community.” ~ Joscelyn, Sidney BC
- “Kaylee absolutely loves the class and you also. We have tried a few after-school things before and she has never been enthusiastic about them. With this yoga she comes home and can’t wait to show us what she is learning. Thanks for all the energy you put into it.” ~ Sarah Paulson, Sidney BC
What Teachers are saying
- “Hi Vanessa. Thanks so much for having me. I felt so comfortable… a sense of coming home or at least inspiration for the type of environment I want to be involved with. Out of all the centres I visited, yours was the most beautiful in so many ways, especially the vibration of peace.” ~ Yvonne MacKenzie, Pender Island BC
- “Vanessa’s interactive storytelling, wide use of colorful, playful props and the brilliant way in which she engages children in yoga poses was a hit with the children in our program! Thank you Vanessa for exposing our children to yoga in such a fun, positive way.” ~ Lori, Victoria BC