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Welcome to Terra Viva! From One parent to another!

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  Hi there, Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Andrea C. Lopez, and I’m the founder of Terra Viva Schools Inc. But more importantly, I’m a fellow parent who once stared at a very small pile of Montessori materials and one (very energetic) child—my own—and thought, “Well... here goes nothing.” Back in 2014, this entire community began with just the two of us. I was the teacher, the lunch lady, the janitor, and yes, the student sometimes too (kids have a way of turning the tables on you!). What started as a licensed little Montessori program on the second floor of a Church Building has now grown into something I could’ve never imagined: a vibrant, joyful community of more than 100 families. I truly believe that children thrive when parents feel seen, supported, and connected—and that’s exactly the kind of space we’ve worked hard to create. We’re not just a school or a program. We’re a family. (A slightly chaotic, snack-loving, nap-needing family—but a family nonetheless.) I...
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A CALENDAR OF NATURE EVENTS!

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  A CALENDAR OF NATURE EVENTS By Andrea Lopez The true symbol of summer is the celestial body that astronomers call "The Sun." This time of the year is dominated by the overwhelming and omnipresent light of the Sun.  On June 21, we celebrate the Summer solstice, and although some parts of the country will remain cold, the sun's undeniable rays will slowly pierce through with more intensity, illuminating all creatures great and small! Our sun is the life giver and the force that keeps nature and us alive! June, above all, is the month of flowering plants and when the fields are dressed in green.  Tadpoles swim in shallow ponds, and Oriole nests are at the ends of the Elm branches.  The Tiger swallowtail butterflies fill the air, and fireflies appear.  The door is open for our June bugs to shine. Caterpillars, earthworms, potato bugs, ants, and creepy crawlies tread around our children's playgrounds, capturing their eyes of imagination and opening a whole scope of...
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STICKS AND STONES DON'T BREAK MY BONES- T.V. RISKY PLAY PHILOSOPHY

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 Understanding Terra Viva's Risky Play philosophy by Andrea Lopez Growing up in a small city in Colombia, my grandmother's house, surrounded by trees and mountains, until the age of 6, was my kindergarten. I cannot recall any stringing rules. On the contrary, I was encouraged to go play and return for lunch, and then go back into the Forest for the afternoon. I used to come back filthy and stinky after a day of exciting adventures. Since the age of 4, I was allowed to climb trees, build forts, make fire, be loud, and explore who I really was!  Was I at risk? perhaps. However, I was privileged enough to live in a safe neighborhood that provided me and other children of my age with the opportunity to be "free and wild " My experience cannot speak for other children who have grown up in different conditions or were a part of marginalized populations, where safety was simply not there. My introduction provides an overview of who I was as a child and how my experiences pos...
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MUD, MUD, GLORIOUS MUD!

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  MUD PLAY!  Understanding Terra Viva's nature play philosophy. Springtime is here, and with it, it's most soothing, fun, children-friendly, and the most amazing and beneficial natural component: MUD. Every child has the need to touch and feel natural elements. The need to ground their little bodies to the elements of the earth. This "need" is then transformed into incredible memories of freedom, friendships, and relaxation. Getting dirty and filthy are synonyms for fun and pure joyful outdoor play.  Playing in the mud is the same as playing in the sand or water, but a little messier! Our outdoor play philosophy supports 100% playing in the mud! Some parents might wonder what are the benefits of mud play and how to support Terra Viva's natural learning practice. Benefits: Medical research from the Mayo Clinic shows that playing in the mud helps strengthen the immune system. The germs in the mud actually help children with allergies and asthma. Furthermore, letting...
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2025 CONCERT AND GRADUATION DETAILS-TODDLER BUNNIES

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    2025 CELEBRATION OF ACHIEVEMENT Come and celebrate with us another fantastic end of a learning cycle- as we watch our students perform Spanish songs and dances, followed by the Graduation Ceremony. Who is graduating? Toddlers advancing to Casa Casa Students graduating to Kindergarten  Please note: All children will receive a certificate of Achievement! Are refreshments provided? yes!  Fruit and light snacks will be provided This is the time to share with other friends, families, and teachers. Is my family required to stay for the whole duration of the event? Our concert starts at 3 pm Out of respect and consideration for other children performing, we ask you to make the effort and stay until the end! Staff members have also made extraordinary efforts to present to you the best performance and ceremony celebration. Plan to stay for a time slot of a minimum of 2 hours. Diplomas and certificates of achievement for each class will start at 4 pm Parents and children w...
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THE 2025 GRADUATION AND CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT!

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  DEAR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF TERRA VIVA SCHOOLS,  YOU ARE INVITED! We are nearing the end of another great school year. The children have learned and grown throughout the year, and we all feel privileged to be able to watch them grow and experience new skills and environments. A Graduation invitation will be sent out on Thursday, May 1,2025.  Please RSVP the number of guests that will be attending by Friday, May 9, 2025 supervisorterravivaport@gmail. com When:  Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Scott Location             Thursday, May 22, Toddler and Casa class, Port Location             Friday, May 23, Kinder Casa and Elementary class, Port Location    Where:  92 Main Street, Port Location, Terra Viva in the Gymnasium   Early Dismissal: Please pick your child up by 12pm and they will have lunch. Time:  3PM Ceremony Begins Drop off:  When returning for graduation, pleas...
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SPRING ESSENTIALS: RAINY DAYS!

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  TERRA VIVA WALKABOUTS AND NATURE EXPLORATION ON RAINY DAYS! Exploring our surroundings and the natural local beauty of Port Dalhousie is a major component of our Nature Curriculum. Spring is the season of renewal, resurrection, the awakening of nature after her long sleep, and of course, it is a season of a lot of RAIN! Terra Viva's outdoor policy support children's interaction with the elements and the weather. Our c hildren love spending the time outside on sunny, rainy and cloudy days during the Spring season. How do I prepare my child for a rainy day? Here are some essential tips for all our parents to better support and understand our Rain of shine philosophy. 1. RAIN, RAIN COME AGAIN! At Terra Viva schools we instill the love for the rain! Talking to your children about the rain in a positive way will immensely help children to be open for exploration on a rainy day and to have an optimistic outlook for all kinds of weather. When it rains, refrain from saying thi...
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