Mission
Our lives are very busy and full, joyous and filled with hard work. Like those around us, my family is consumed with commitments, activities, schooling, play dates, and more, always more. It's easy to get carried up and lost in the ongoing whirlwind of daily life. It's hard to get outside every day. Rainbow Chasers is a way to slow down. It's a habitual way to dedicate time to going offline, being outside, being present, and remembering nature and our place in it. I want to give my children the space, as often as I can, to explore and play in nature both urban and rural without a purpose or goal. While outdoors, I want them to feel unhurried, to amble, to see and hear, and to just be, having creeks and forests, lakes and farms, and parks feel like a second home. Our mission is to make going outside and excitedly learning together a habit. I want to give space to kids to be who they are, follow their interests, play, form friendships, and feel at ease in their connection to the natural world.
Guiding Children’s Behavior
At Rainbow Chasers every child is treated with warmth and kindness and guidance for behavior is likewise approached with warmth and kindness. Children are spoken to lovingly and calmly and appropriate behavior is modeled. For my own children as well as those in my care, I create a child-focused environment where there can be “yesses”. We talk about what we can do rather than focusing on what we can’t. For example, “We can go climb the hillside once we’re done with our snack, but the picnic table is just for eating. Let’s find you a spot to sit on the bench”.
We treat each other and our environment with gentle care. We help our friends and are respectful to each other. Children are given choices, “I see you’ve chosen a very sharp stick to hike with. Would you like to choose a different one or break the tip off so it is not so pointy?” Consequences are logical, “ I see you’re having a hard time walking at the same pace as the group and you keep running ahead. Why don’t you choose a walking buddy and tell them about what your plans are for the weekend. Or you can walk with me. I’d love to hear about what you’re going to do!”. If a friend is really struggling, I may ask them to be my helper and hold my hand or stay close to me as we move throughout the day’s activities. Expectations and rhythms are clear and consistent. The children know what to expect and find comfort in the routine and consistency. If I have any concerns about a child’s choices or feelings, I may contact parents or guardians to help make a plan for your child’s success.
We practice using our words and saying or asking for what we need. Children are given space and time to work out needs with each other, but gentle guidance is offered when necessary: “It looks like you’re really excited to catch minnows with the bucket, but your friend is using it right now. Let’s ask her to give it to you when she’s finished”. Children’s feelings are acknowledged and respected, “Waiting is hard sometimes. I see you’re frustrated. Let’s dig a minnow swimming pool while we wait”.