Welcome to our stories about the Spring Elves!
We are grateful for the support of the Alpenglow Community Education Society (ACES) in bringing you these stories. These stories are all original and were created for children from 4-6 years old. At this life stage, imagination, curiosity and sensory engagement are paramount so each of these stories is embedded with rich imagery, adventure and grounded in what is happening in our forests right now. Our intent with these stories is that they serve to inspire you and your children to go outside and explore the forests close to home. Slow down and see the world through the eyes of your child. We guarantee they will show you things you've never noticed and if you catch their stories and questions, you'll certainly strengthen your connection to nature, self and others as well as your child's! Choose to either watch the video format or download the audio to your phone and head out into the woods and listen out there! Have fun!
We are grateful for the support of the Alpenglow Community Education Society (ACES) in bringing you these stories. These stories are all original and were created for children from 4-6 years old. At this life stage, imagination, curiosity and sensory engagement are paramount so each of these stories is embedded with rich imagery, adventure and grounded in what is happening in our forests right now. Our intent with these stories is that they serve to inspire you and your children to go outside and explore the forests close to home. Slow down and see the world through the eyes of your child. We guarantee they will show you things you've never noticed and if you catch their stories and questions, you'll certainly strengthen your connection to nature, self and others as well as your child's! Choose to either watch the video format or download the audio to your phone and head out into the woods and listen out there! Have fun!
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we cancelled our programming and
transitioned our stories to online resources.
For information to access videos, please contact
[email protected]
transitioned our stories to online resources.
For information to access videos, please contact
[email protected]
Spring: The Arrival of Bud and Bloom
Spring has sprung! The sun has risen higher into the sky and it's heat has melted the snow that blanketed the forests since November. When we step outside in the morning, the air smells fresh and our ears are treated to a symphony of bird song: robins, varied thrushes, red-breasted nuthatches, wrens, downy woodpeckers and Canadian Geese. As the snow melts, the first plants start returning too. When you go outside with your children pause and listen to the sounds you can hear in each direction. What is the quietest sound? what is the loudest? As you step into the forest, look closely at the forest floor. Can you see any "spring green" plants coming through? Yarrow, Prairie Crocus, wild strawberry and clover are all early starters in the forests around Canmore. Let us know what you hear and what you see!
Spring: Tree Mansion
Bud and Bloom find their nest house from last year. It has fallen to the ground and they realize they need to build a new one. They plan a "tree mansion" with multiple stories and a roof to keep out the rain that was partly inspired by the Magpie's nest they toured last spring. As you go exploring the forest with your children, pay attention to the birds - do you see any evidence of nest building? This is the season for many birds to build nests- some nest on tree branches, others in tree cavities and some nest on the ground too so be sure to look everywhere. Listen carefully too - sometimes it is sound that will give you a clue where the nests are. As you explore, try making a nest yourself - it is easy? hard? what materials work best for you? Mud, sticks, grass, clay, feathers, branches? Story 3 - Shelter From the Storm
As Bud and Bloom are busy building the “fun things” for their mansion, a spring snow storm moves in and they have to rush to find shelter. Along the way, they meet some of the birds who nest in tree cavities (hollows) and they learn how important it is to be prepared in the spring time because weather changes quickly in the Rockies. This story is designed to inspire a wander in the woods with your child. Use your “owl eyes” (expanded vision). Scan the trees for holes. Stands of trembling aspen or balsam poplar trees are particularly good for finding tree cavities. If you find any, approach quietly and see if you notice any birds flying near by or in an out of the hole. If you see birds and the hole is low, keep a respectful distance from the hole. If it seems empty - look inside, but avoid poking sticks in it. Does it look like any birds or animals have used it as a home? What animals could fit in it? If you find a fallen log or tree that is unoccupied, could your child use a stick to make the hole? How much work is required to dig at some of the trees? What does this tell you about the birds who make holes in the trees and the strength of their beak? Where would you go for shelter if a spring storm came through? Story 4: Sticks, Mud and Grass
Building a nest is not as easy as it seems. Bud and Bloom survive the storm and are about to go back to building the zip line when magpie and other birds come by and ask if they need help fixing up their nest. The knowledge and experience of the birds is exactly what Bud and Bloom need to fix the crack in the tree where they are living and to "freshen it up" for the season. When you go out in the woods today, bring a bucket and some extra water. Mix some dirt and water in your bucket and try adding other things to make building mud. Try building a nest from different materials. Have fun and send us some of your pictures! Story 5: Sounds of a Butterfly
With their nest (house) complete, Bud and Bloom go off to see if there are any animals that need the help and wisdom of the spring elves. They hear a curious voice and wander through the woods looking for who is making the voice. They come upon a fluttering friend in the forest who shares with them some secrets of hearing the sounds of spring. Join them as they discover some unusual sounds (and critters) in the forest. When you wander in the woods, have you noticed that you often hear animals before you see them? Take the time to really listen with your deer ears (your kids can show you how). Pick a sound and follow it. Can you discover what animal is making the sound? Can you make the same sound? Maybe you can talk to it? What would you say to them? What do you think they would say to you? Have fun out there and let us know what you hear! |
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