The Frog Pond curriculum is enriched with multi-sensory experiences that tend to be messy and “hands on.” Research supports the importance of experiential learning for young children in neurological development, problem-solving ability, development of social skills and in children’s sense of general well-being. The correlated indigenous teachings would involve the child learning from direct contact and observation of Mother Earth and her creatures. Each creature has special teachings or “Medicines” from which we learn.
We especially enjoy the teachings of Bev Bos for curriculum models. The correlated indigenous wisdom teachings are in the studyand honoring of the sacred Elements of Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. You will notice that our children are encouraged to play with dirt, sand and other solids; water and other liquids; air and wind; and light and heat (through cooking, etc.) and through experiencing the sight, smell and warmth of our outdoor fires.
The resources and teachings by Dr. Becky Bailey are our primary resource for behavior management policies. A correlated indigenous wisdom teaching to assist our staff and families in conceptualizing Dr. Bailey’s resources would be in the following story of the Two Wolves:
A Cherokee Elder was teaching his grandchildren about life. He said to them,”A terrible fight is going on inside me. It is a terrible fight, and it is between two wolves.”
“One wolf represents fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, pride and superiority. The other wolf stands for joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This same fight is going on inside of you and every other person too.”
The children thought about it for a while and then one child asked his grandfather,”Which wolf will win?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one I feed.”