Children’s Kinesthetic Awareness and Nature Education Program
Nature Detectives with Ms. Jessica
Maximum class size of 20
35, 45 or 60 minute classes held indoor or outdoor
Contact Jess to learn more about classes for your school
Children will come to identify patterns found in nature and within themselves through the language children know best: movement!
Building upon the children’s natural kinesthetic awareness, engaging in imaginative play and exploring nature science, young friends will gain a greater understanding of themselves and the natural world that surrounds us all. Wonder, play, and curiosity define the kinesthetic awareness and nature science monthly themes. Feldenkrais inspired movement explorations and pretend play help to develop a greater kinesthetic awareness which in turn helps to create more calm and confident children.
Lesson topics focus on native flora, fauna and habitats one can find in their own yard or community. Focusing on local topics encourages the child to continue the learning and explore with a grown up at home. Topics span all seasons on a two-year rotation, visits are created to be accessible for all and developmentally appropriate. In effort to facilitate the exploration at home, each visit will include an e-newsletter to share with families describing the visit, list of recommended books and theme related facts.
Described as a person’s sixth sense, kinesthetic awareness is the ability to perceive and respond to sensations that inform the child where they are in space (proprioceptive awareness) and the space that is within themselves (interoceptive awareness). Our culture’s structured and busy schedules limit the opportunity for children to explore as freely and independently as previous generations have experienced. This unique program is designed to provide kinesthetic awareness opportunities while having fun learning science!
Often a child with a narrow kinesthetic awareness may be described as clumsy, poor spacial awareness, uses too much/too little effort for a task (like writing or touching) and/or is easily distractible.
The origins of this program started when I was an employee of Mass Aududon and witnessed first-hand how children who could not pay attention at school would become alive, attentive and engaged while they were moving, sensing and feeling at nature education programs. The merging of my 3 year somatic education training and 15 year nature education experience is the foundation of this unique children’s educational program.
An expanded ability to self-regulate, pay attention, resiliency, and greater capacity to attend to fine and gross motor coordination are natural outcomes of this unique educational experience.
TESTIMONIALS
“ Ms. Jessica with Nature Detectives is a fantastic treat! She always comes into my classroom ready to engage with the kids and her energy is infectious. Even though my group is on the younger end, mostly 2-year-olds, Ms. Jessica consistently captivates their attention with the fascinating topics she brings each time she visits.
My co-teacher and I look forward to her visits just as much as the kids do! Her famous chicken bag is always a delight to see-it’s one of my kids favorite things and mine too!
Ms. Jessica skillfully incorporates movement into her visits, encouraging the children to act out the behaviors of the animals they learn about, which keeps them active and involved. The way she presents subjects like bats, mice, owls and more is age-appropiate and inviting, esuring that every child feels included and gets a turn. They feel excited about learning.
It’s truly remarkable how she connects with kids across various ages, making each session both fun and educational!”
Kelleyanne, teacher at Wee Folk, Bellingham, MA
“Want an engaging and educational supplemental class for your school program?? Nature Detectives with Ms. Jessica is it!!! Jessica is warm, upbeat, and as knowledgeable as they come- we often say we wish she came more than once a month!
Nature Detectives allows kiddos to bring the great outdoors into the classroom; exploring the forest floor, animals in our own backyard, and tracks in the snow, all while learning tips and tricks of how to honor and care for the world around us.
Ms. Jessica is patient, bringing even the biggest jitterbugs to ease with her entertaining curriculum. A true friend to all, it doesn’t get better than Nature Detectives with Ms. Jessica!!”
Cailyn and Nichole, Jr. Kindergarten teachers at Medfield Children’s Center, Medfield, MA
“Ms. Jessica has been part of our preschool curriculum for the past 10+ years. She brings such excitement, knowledge and wonder to our classroom. The kids all love to be “Nature Detectives” and truly show a love of learning in her classes.
Her ability to incorporate movement in the lesson is something that both the kids and teachers appreciate. Whether she is talking about owl sounds, releasing butterflies or teaching us all about bee colonies, she can hold their attention and always keeps it interactive.
Jessica is amazing with the kids, and it is truly evident that she loves what she does. We all look forward to her visits and are excited to always learn something new.”
The Little Red Schoolhouse, Wrentham, MA
