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A Forest and Beach School in Singapore!
Immerse in a world filled with fisherman boats, fishing village, colonial house, lookout towers and a kampong with wildlife!
Philosophy
The Forest – Beach School approach invites children to develop their inner self and connect with the outer world. This approach is based on the belief that children learn best when they are allowed to explore and interact with nature, engage in unstructured play and take calculated risks.
During the sessions at Pulau Ubin, Pasir Ris or Changi Beach, the children of various ages will naturally collaborate, allowing them to learn from one another and build relationships. This approach also encourages children to engage in risky play, which helps them to develop their self-awareness and understand their own capabilities, responsibilities, strength and boundaries. Risky play also fosters children’s problem-solving skills, as they learn to assess and manage risks.
The nature of the sessions invites children to co-exist with nature. The time spent outdoors helps children develop a sense of appreciation for the natural world and understand the importance of taking care of the environment.
When the children are emotionally connected with mother nature, when they can feel and see the animals, the sea water, the trees and earth, they are more likely to understand their role in protecting and loving mother nature more.
In Forest – Beach School, children are presented with freedom of movement. The time and space that is offered to children allow children to go inward and focus on their body’s competency.
Safety forest codes and rules are explained to allow for safe play. We encourage children to trust their bodies, especially during risky play. As leaders hold space for such play, the children develop the necessary thinking process to keep themselves, and their friends safe.
Children will also have plenty of opportunities to develop both language and communication skills as they interact with peers of various age groups.
We engaged Forest School practitioners who are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for children to explore and build meaning of the world.
This is a collaboration with Hundred Paths, led by Aminah and Sabrina. The sessions are run by qualified leaders.
Our upcoming February to April theme is “Building a Sense of Belonging”.
The sessions are child-led, where children plan and discuss what they would like to do the following week. The final venue on Pulau Ubin, Changi or Pasir Ris beach depends on the children’s interests and decision. We respect and honour their request.
What are some possible activities for the children?
- Campfire – cooking
- Clay experiences
- Hapa Zome (Japanese eco printing on fabric)
- Knot-tying
- Marshmallow toasting
- Nature craft
- Nature journal documentation
- Nature walk
- Rope play
- Sand play
- Sawing
- Sensory tea-making
- Mud cooking
- Unstructured Play
- Whittling
Values we cultivate through the fun play activities:
- Body Awareness
- Confidence & Self-Esteem
- Emotion Regulation
- Growth Mindset & Resilience
- Respect and Love
- Kindness and Empathy
- Social Cues and Boundaries
Location
Meeting Point
Mindful Space Outdoor Learning Club
2 Netheravon Road, Civil Service Club @ Changi 1 S01-01, Singapore 508503
located beside Changi Point Ferry Terminal (boat ride to Pulau Ubin)
Possible activities location (child-led)
- Pulau Ubin (boat ride included)
- Pasir Ris Beach
- Changi Beach
- Mindful Space Outdoor Learning Club
Transportation
Private Charter for a group of children might be available.
The final amount depends on how many people sharing the ride together.
Whatsapp 9783 7313 to enquire more.
Class Size
Minimum 5 pax to commence
Maximum 10 pax
Ratio
1 teacher : 5 students
Meals
Please pack your own snack or lunch.
Changi Village Hawker Centre and a fruit stall is 5 mins walk from our studio and is opened at 8am.
Age Group
3.5 – 12 years old
Age Range
It is our intention to have a wide age gap of children 3.5 – 12 years old for the forest – beach school. Children who have the opportunity to work together with children of different age groups and abilities, have cultivate more empathy, kindness, awareness, and understanding of social cues and boundaries. This supports children to be more socio-emotional developed and connected with each other.
Singapore rank the third highest in bullying globally. It is proven that when children are connected and play together, bullying reduces because children have more empathy and can understand from different perspectives better.
Mindful Space have witness so many beautiful learning moments when children of different age groups come together. The older children learn to role model and polish their leadership skills to problem solve; how to include and motivate people with different pace, perspective and abilities, and empower them to think out of the box. The younger children learn better through observation, and feel the sense of belonging and motivation through the team spirit.
Rates
Trial / Drop-In
$80 per child per session
Term Package
12 weeks x $70 per session
$840 per child per term
two make-up classes available per term
Inclusive of boat ride Pulau Ubin to/from Changi Point Ferry Terminal
*This is not a class pass. Children attend the weekly sessions on a routine basis so we can learn and grow together with them with consistency and rhythm.
What if my child needs more time for drop off?
It is normal for a child to feel anxious during drop-off. We encourage the child to sit with those feelings. Every feeling is valid. Acknowledge your child’s feelings. We encourage you to assure your child confidently that you will see him/her again at drop-off.
We highly recommend that parents drop off when their children are ready so the experience is pleasant (and not stressful!) for the child.
The dynamics of the session change and are different when the parents are around.
The good thing is that children tend to explore out of their comfort zone and be more willing and open when their parents are not around (speaking from experience as a group of educators and mothers!). We believe children learn best when they are given a safe space to explore independently.
Children are dropped off at the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. It is a child-led session; hence the children will discuss as a team where and what they would like to do. They have the option to be at Changi beach or head to Pulau Ubin.
You can sign up for trial sessions to assess whether your child is ready. We understand that some children need more time to be comfortable in a new environment.
For the trial sessions, if your child needs more time to transit to drop-off slowly, parents can observe from a distance, making themselves as invisible as possible, allowing the child to freely interacts with the environment, teachers, or classmates (no interference at all), while the child knows you are around. From the trial sessions (maximum three), we can assess whether the child is ready for drop-off. Most of the time, children surprise parents with their level of adaptability and resilience. When we trust and have confidence in them, they can feel it and trust themselves better too.
The coaches are trained to hold space for children and we would like them to flourish in our sessions. Let us know how we can honour your child’s needs. We will provide parents photos and a writeup of the session.
What do I need to bring or prepare?
- snacks
- water bottle (1L)
- extra cloths to change
- raincoat
- sunscreen and hat
- mosquito patch or repellent
What is the dress code?
- Best to wear sports attire.
- Wear long pants that are comfortable for stretches and large movements (no skirts).
- Covered toe shoes
- NO jewellery
What happens when it rains?
For forest – beach school, we will go ahead even if it’s raining and seek shelter at respective area if there are lightning. We teach kids how to be resilient and adaptable with the weather, and how to make the best out of things that are beyond our control. We believe that the different elements in nature offers children a range or learning opportunities.
It is very important that children are dressed appropriately for the weather for them to enjoy it. In Forest School we believer that, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”. We encourage children to come appropriately attired (a list of recommendations will be given). A raincoat is always handy to have in the child’s bag.
We will conduct drop-off sessions in a safe, sheltered area nearby the designated site.
Will my child be able to refill their water bottle?
Please arrive at the sessions with the appropriate amount of water your child would need for a 2.5 hour session outdoors. We would recommend a litre water bottle to be with them. Coaches will offer children to refill their water bottles if need be. We ensure that children are well hydrated during our sessions.
Are there toilet facilities?
There are toilets located at the Mindful Space Changi Studio and Pulau Ubin.
Are there first-aid trained facilitators?
We will assign at least one first-aid trained coach to the session at all times.
Note
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This ticket is not applicable for cancellation or refund unless Mindful Space cannot commence or proceed with the activity (eg: minimum number of pax)
- Tickets are transferable to others for the same date but not refundable. If you can no longer attend (eg: sick), you can find family or friends to replace you. You can also try your luck to check-in if there is someone on the waiting list.
- By signing up for this programme, you agreed to be contacted for future events via WhatsApp
- WhatsApp +65 9783 7313 to be on the waiting list or organise private camp dates.
Stay updated with the latest events and workshops at:
FB: @MindfulSpaceSg
Insta: #mindful_space_
