Dreaming for Land, Place and collective
Intergenerational Story of Place & Land Exploration
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An Intergenerational Story of Place & Land Exploration at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House
The Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Preschool (children aged 3–5) is a magical place. Natural lighting fills every corner, art and photos line the walls, creative invitations for play and exploration are on each table, and the bookshelves broaden worldviews. It is obvious for anyone who walks in there that the space is thoughtful and intentional—the educators, caregivers, neighbours and children are collectively creating the conditions for dreaming and leadership.
The 2023/24 school year started off with conversations about Land and Place—two of the ANHBC Collective’s new Strategic Directions, also guided by the BC Early Learning Framework and tied to neighbourhood house values. To deepen the class’s connection to both, the teachers took them on meaningful visits in and around MPNH.
“As noticing becomes a part of our days together, we start to focus on what’s around us every day in the playground: trees, rocks, sand, rain, sky, clouds, bugs… and one day we started finding all the trees and observing their qualities” shares Lorena Lacome, Interim Director of Childcare. “As we investigate the world around us with the children, we are provoked by some [big questions*]:
- How might I contribute to children’s reconnection with land and place?
- What does it mean to be in relationship with land? To be of a place?
- Whose stories of land are told and whose have been silenced?
- What are the children’s stories of land?
*Big questions asked by BC Early Learning Framework
“The [Gathering Tree] feels happy now. It was cold, because the air was cold. It was wintertime. It feels happy now!”
– Madeline (4 years old)
During these initial fall “nature walks” around the neighbourhood house, the children sat under each tree, talked about their characteristics, who they are as trees, and eventually gave each a name. They named one special one the Gathering Tree, as it is where they gather each day.
Once the children and educators decided that action needed to be taken, they began to make a plan and call in supporters. Together, they wrote a proposal titled “The Gathering Tree Needs a Sweater” and shared it with their families, the Neighbourhood House, and community, asking for support. Quickly, a Planning Committee was formed, made up of parents, caregivers, and grandparents—and posters were hung up around the Neighbourhood House. The support for the project was immediate!
The children led every aspect of the project. They collectively decided on the shape (rectangles) and design (abstract) of what needed to be knit. They worked hard to design, measure, and plan for the final project. They attempted many forms of measuring the Gathering Tree; they used their bodies, and they used playdoh—a lot of testing, trial, and error. They considered the needs of the tree, the ecosystem that lives on the tree (bugs), and their needs as enjoyers of the tree (climbing). Through the spring, they planned for where the knitted pieces should go.
The knitting team was made-up of parents, grandparents, and seniors from the Neighbourhood House. They gathered on Zoom to plan, they knit with their kids at home, and some even spent mornings at the preschool, knitting on the couch with the children around them.
“It is a tree where we wait for our grownups with our backpacks on. Sometimes, on birthdays, we get treats, like lollipops or glitter, and when our grownups come, we say bye to the tree” – Jackie (5 years old)
“[The project] made me feel that our children are valued members of the Neighbourhood House community. This project is especially important for kids living in the city” shares Isabelle, Madeline’s parent. “Connection to nature links us to our past, present, and future—as well as to each other. The children led the entire project; it was a beautiful and connected thing.”
As spring was approaching and the pieces of the sweater were ready, the children began planning a “Fitting Ceremony”. And once again, they designed every aspect. They invited their families and the Neighbourhood House community to join the event, the rectangles were collected, and they were ready to fit the sweater on the Gathering Tree. As the knitters joined the pieces around the planned spaces of the tree, the children circled around, and together they danced and sang “Come and join our community circle”. And soon the Gathering Tree was wrapped in a warm sweater!
As the weeks grew colder, the children started to get concerned about the Gathering Tree; they were worried it would get cold, just like them. Soon they began to explore and discuss whether trees can feel, ultimately deciding that yes, the Gathering Tree can feel, and we must do something about that.
“Sometimes when it’s raining, it’s cold and the [trees] need cozy sweaters. Like maybe all of us and our moms.” – Zoe (4 years old)
This is a story of intergenerational connection and co-creation. The children of the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Preschool are given opportunities to not only learn about big concepts and ideas but are also asked to contribute to the exploration of how to dream the answers for our collective future—and who better to ask those big questions than our next generation’s leaders.
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