Wilder Learning
Noth Durham
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Wilder Learning
Noth Durham
Home
About Us
  • Our Philosophy
  • Our Name
  • Our Team
Program
  • Curriculum
  • Our Programs
  • Preschool
  • The Shape of The Day
  • Academic Calendar
  • FAQ
Enroll
  • Admissions
  • Fee Structure
  • Bursaries
Contact Us
Get Involved
  • Careers
  • Donate
Blog
More
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Philosophy
    • Our Name
    • Our Team
  • Program
    • Curriculum
    • Our Programs
    • Preschool
    • The Shape of The Day
    • Academic Calendar
    • FAQ
  • Enroll
    • Admissions
    • Fee Structure
    • Bursaries
  • Contact Us
  • Get Involved
    • Careers
    • Donate
  • Blog

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Philosophy
    • Our Name
    • Our Team
  • Program
    • Curriculum
    • Our Programs
    • Preschool
    • The Shape of The Day
    • Academic Calendar
    • FAQ
  • Enroll
    • Admissions
    • Fee Structure
    • Bursaries
  • Contact Us
  • Get Involved
    • Careers
    • Donate
  • Blog

The Shape of the Day

A Day at Wilder Learning North Durham

Rather than schedules, we have a consistent shape to the day.  While the basic structure of the day remains consistent, we adapt to the needs and interests of our students, ensuring a balance between guided learning and free exploration. Our flexible approach allows children to invest their full attention in activities without the abrupt interruption of a rigid schedule, promoting a state of flow and deep engagement. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day at our elementary school:

Morning Arrival and Outdoor Play

Children arrive between 9:00 and 9:30, greeted by the opportunity for free play outdoors, weather permitting. This time allows children to run, build, gather, and socialize, setting a positive tone for the day. We observe and support their play, allowing the children to engage in big activities together. Sometimes, this outdoor play extends until 11:00, depending on the children’s engagement.

Children sitting in a circle at morning gather, starting their day with excitement

Morning Gather and Indoor Transition

When it’s time to head inside, children put away their personal belongings and wash their hands. We then gather for our morning session, which sets the stage for the day’s learning activities. This may include books, driving questions, or mini-lessons that spark curiosity and prepare them for their tasks.

Choice-Based Learning

Following the morning gather, children are given the freedom to choose the order of their activities, though not the tasks themselves. Choices often include:


• Math Activities/Lessons: Skill-based tasks tailored to their individual needs.

• Language Activities/Lessons: Engaging exercises often related to our current unit of study

• Sensorial Skill-Building: Activities like metal insets, cutting, sewing, or art work.


All work is individualized and skill-based, ensuring it meets the developmental needs of each child. 

Nutrition Breaks are Taken as Needed

Our flexible approach respects children’s hunger cues and need for focus. By eating in response to natural signals, children learn to recognize when to refuel, aligning with their body’s rhythms and developing interoception. This method honours their individual needs, teaching that caring for their body is as important as feeding their mind.

Creative and Learning Labs

Once they complete their tasks, children have the option to engage in free-choice work in the Creative Lab or Learning Lab.

 

The Creative Lab offers investigative activities related to our project topics, while the Learning Lab provides puzzle work and other enriching activities.

Outdoor Exploration

After completing their morning tasks, we head back outside for more exploration, which can last from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. This outdoor time is crucial for physical activity and environmental connection, often involving nature walks, forest exploration, or visits to the stream.

Quiet Time

Upon returning indoors, children wash their hands and enjoy a nutrition break while listening to an audiobook. Even if a child isn’t eating, they join the group for about 10 minutes to promote community and routine. 


After eating, they choose quiet activities like board games, card games, or puzzles. 


If no group project is scheduled, they can engage in free choice again.

Closing Circle and Staggered Pick-Up

Our day concludes with a closing circle, where children share items from home related to our learning topics, discuss recent trips, or showcase amazing finds. This sharing time helps solidify their learning and build community. 


We then gather our belongings and head back outside for staggered pick-up, ending the day with more outdoor play.

A daily rhythm gives children a structured yet flexible routine, combining the comfort of knowing what comes next with the freedom to respond to their own needs for food and rest. This approach fosters self-awareness and personal time management in a relaxed and supportive environment.

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Wilder Learning North Durham

"There are two gifts we should give our children; one is roots, and the other is wings." - Hodding Carter

Registered with the Ministry of Education of Ontario

Copyright © 2023 Wilder Learning North Durham


WLND is a registered charity CRA#798477212RR0001

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