Casa Squirrels

  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...

  There’s something magical about watching your child splash in open water—laughing, floating, exploring. But for many parents, the idea of swimming in Lake Ontario brings up more concern than excitement. Is it safe? Clean? Worth the risk? Let’s talk about that. Nature Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Necessity Our kids are growing up in a world of screens, schedules, and concrete. Experts now talk about  “nature-deficit disorder” —a term describing how children suffer mentally, physically, and emotionally when they’re cut off from the natural world. Swimming in Lake Ontario isn’t just fun. It’s a  full-body, full-sense experience  that reconnects children with the Earth. It builds resilience, independence, and joy—something a pool or screen can’t replicate. But… Is It Safe? Absolutely—with a few precautions. Our local beach is monitored. Daily updates are provided. You can stay informed  at  https://niagararegion.ca/living/water/beaches/default.aspx Never swim after ...

  A Gift of Nature Right Here in St. Catharines By Andrea Lopez When I first arrived in St. Catharines, I was nervous and excited—I had come for a job interview that could change everything for me and my family. But what I didn’t expect was to find a small treasure waiting for me right near the heart of the city: Lakeside Park Beach on the shores of Lake Ontario. After the interview, we decided to take a short walk with my little boy and husband to clear my mind. As I stepped onto the soft sand and felt the cool breeze off the water, something inside me lit up.  The wide, open lake sparkled under the sun, stretching endlessly into the horizon. It wasn’t just beautiful—it felt peaceful, grounding, and welcoming. I stood there thinking:  What a blessing this place could be—not just for me, but for my little boy, Sebastian, who was only four at the time. As a parent, you’re always searching for safe, natural places where your child can play, explore, and grow. In that moment...

 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 ...

  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 strict 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 neighbourhood that provided me and other children of my age with the opportunity to be a "free and wild " child. 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 experie...

 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 ...

  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...