Learning Story – Remain Open to each Other
The Week of January 30, 2026
What Happened?
We build relationships with ourselves, each other and the Land every time we gather together at the Bushkids’ site. Today the Bushkids were very observant. They noticed so many different things from how Verna was cooking the dried fish in two different ways, to the shape of the hard layer of snow, to the design of the pinecone, to the size of the quinzee and how they could make it larger, to finding ways to celebrate Auntie Edna’s birthday. As we spend time outdoors, the Land is constantly offering us teachings. Why is the pinecone shaped like that? Why is the top layer of snow harder than the snow underneath? The conversations that follow are rich and authentic motivated by the Bushkids’ interests.
Why is it Important
When we allow a child to lead their own learning they build self-confidence because they feel empowered when they try something new and are engaged in the process. As they do this, they spend time with educators and other Bushkids engaging in important conversation that fosters language and social development while strengthening the relationships with everyone in their community.
What’s Next?
We will continue to talk about love. There are so many different people who we will meet as we walk through this life, and we want to meet them with open and loving hearts. We want to see them for who they are and listen to where they are coming from and where they hope to go. When we remain open to each other, relationships will blossom even in deep winter.
BushKids Quotes
“Look, the top of this pinecone looks like a flower.”
“Look, the tree still has its leaves. The leaf looks like a map.”
“I’m using a wrench to fix the tree.”
“This piece of snow is in the shape of Alberta.”