Welcome to TimberNook
My name is Natalie Bender and I am delighted to bring TimberNook programming to our Kindergarten through Grade 6 students at St. Francis School as a certified TimberNook teacher. This program is a new and exciting experience for our younger elementary students and I would like to provide a brief overview of what TimberNook is and what to expect on your child’s TimberNook day each week.
TimberNook is a unique nature program in which children are given the opportunity to build their emotional, mental, and physical skills through imaginative free play. Each TimberNook class consists of a story read aloud to inspire creativity followed by ample time for free play in which the children will have the freedom to fully engage with the story using the play materials provided, move their bodies, exercise their imaginations, test ideas, and practice social skills with their peers.
Since TimberNook classes consist primarily of imaginative play free time, your child will not receive direct instruction from adults on how to play with the provided materials or who to play with. This independence is intentional because it allows children to take initiative, think creatively, and collaborate with his/her peers. We as instructors understand that sometimes collaboration with friends can involve disagreements or even arguments and believe that these situations are best resolved by the children themselves as much as possible, but we are always present to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child.
Your child will also have opportunities to take reasonable risks within the safe environment of TimberNook, such as climbing trees, swinging from a rope swing, and using real tools. We take great care to provide a safe environment in which children can play freely, but believe that learning to evaluate and take appropriate risks from a young age is vitally important in helping children develop the risk assessment skills they will need throughout their lives. Children are also allowed to use any materials they find in the woods during their TimberNook time, so your child may get dirty or wet during class. We encourage this kind of sensory play as it is rich in therapeutic benefits and will provide time for your child to change clothes if needed before returning to his/her classroom.
Each class will be approximately two hours long and will take place entirely outdoors, so it is essential that every child dress appropriately for the weather. Layered clothing and hats are great ideas no matter the weather, and winter gear (hats, gloves, coats, snowpants, and snowboots) will be required in cold weather. Classes will be held in all regular weather including light rain, so rain coats will be required on wet days.
On your child’s TimberNook day, he or she must wear their gym uniform and must have a full change of clothing in a plastic bag labeled with their name at school. Changes of clothing may be dress down and will be kept in a dedicated bin in your child’s classroom. Any soiled clothing items will be returned home in a plastic bag at the end of the day. The need for a change of clothes will be rare, but it is important for every child in TimberNook to have a back-up outfit at school just in case.
Below is a list of items your child will need on every TimberNook day:
- Gym uniform
- Weather-appropriate layers/outerwear (jacket, fleece, rain coat, winter gear, etc.)
- Water bottle
- Sturdy footwear (Boots or sneakers are good options.)
- Full change of clothes in a plastic bag labeled with their name
I am absolutely thrilled to share the joy of TimberNook with your children this year! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions at bendern@stfrancisschoolnh.org.
Sincerely,
Miss Natalie Bender
TimberNook Director
Is TimberNook play worthwhile?
TimberNook programming fosters imaginative play which is a legitimate and necessary occupation for students and is significantly different from playground or recess play. TimberNook is truly educational because it serves as a lab in which children practice the many physical, social, and emotional skills they are learning in the classroom and at home, including leadership, balance and coordination, problem-solving, creativity, attention, and emotional regulation.
Do activities vary based on grade?
Some TimberNook play experiences are suitable for a specific grade range while others are appropriate for all ages, so the weekly theme at St. Francis may be either the same or different across the grades depending on which curriculum is being used.
What is your temperature policy?
Similar to recess, TimberNook classes will be cancelled when the “feels like” temperature is below 20 degrees.
What is your inclement weather policy?
Similar to recess, TimberNook classes will be held outdoors in all regular weather including light rain and light snow. The children will be exposed to various elements within the natural shelter of the woods. Students must have a rain coat in wet weather. As the children’s safety is always our first priority, unsafe weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow, a thunderstorm, or strong wind will result in TimberNook classes being canceled.
What happens if my child does not have the proper clothing for TimberNook?
Parents will be notified if at all possible. If the school is unable to make contact with the parent then the child will be kept indoors and given a book to read. We do not have alternative programming in place for students who do not have the proper attire.
Where will the TimberNook activities take place?
TimberNook classes will be held entirely in the woods adjacent to St. Francis School in a dedicated outdoor learning space close in proximity to the main building.
Are the TimberNook woods contained and how many adults will be with the children?
The boundaries of the TimberNook woods are clearly marked and two teachers will be present at all times.
Does the TimberNook space border the Merrimack River?
No, our TimberNook woods do not border the river and do not contain any natural running water.