Past Workshops
2023 Workshops
Block A
May 4th, 2023 at 3:00 PM | 75 mins. (Education Session A)
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Coming to the land to learn about medicinal plants and animals: Pedagogical resources with Indigenous perspective from the Tableau
Teachers need to introduce Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into their teaching practices. For that purpose, reliable resources are needed. This workshop will introduce teaching practices from the Tableau STE (tableaust.ca) that incorporate Indigenous and environmental knowledge (Medicinal Plants, 3° grade; Moose, 4° grade). Both practices combine an indigenous narrative with an outdoor field trip. Workshop participants will learn to use the lesson plans and underlying principles (story-based/ place-based learning, indigenous pedagogy) that belong to this innovative teaching material. ... More |
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Decolonizing Place-Based Education
Understanding the impact of colonization on Place-Based Learning Collaboration in examining interdisciplinary in learning Imagination for change Teaching knowledge is a relational process Student empowerment |
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Finding Peace Outdoors
This course will explore the philosophies and educational integration techniques behind nature journaling while giving hands on practical ways to implement this strategy in the classroom. We will spend some time working the research behind this and will move into taking our own time to sit in nature and practice different methods of artistic expression. ... More |
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In Our Nature: Creative place-responsive practices for wellbeing
We are intricately connected; tending to personal wellbeing thus tends to all our relations. This workshop is an invitation for educators of all backgrounds to improve their wellbeing by responding to the human and more-than-human worlds informing their identity and practice. From gratitude to poetry, group discussion and getting creative, participants will collaborate on an art installation to represent our interconnected and interdependent identities on a hanging art mobile. By remembering our mutual belonging that has always been ‘in our nature’, we improve wellbeing for all. ... More |
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Looking the gorilla in the eye: effective climate education
In recent years the 800 pound gorilla that is the climate crisis has walked into your classroom; this workshop will help you look the gorilla in the eye. In this workshop Gareth will share some recent work that proposes to teachers several important dimensions of effective climate education. You ‘will learn by doing’ as together we explore the linkages between some classic outdoor education activities, energy education, and climate change. As Dr. David Orr famously said: “Hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up,” and you’ll take away new approaches to help your own students roll up their sleeves, take climate action - and feel hope for the future. ... More |
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North East School Division Love Land Cultural Land Base Teachings
The North East School Division was provided, in partnership, with land intended to be used for cultural land base education. The school division formed a planning committee and initiated plans in a Respectful way to honor the land located outside the town of Love Saskatchewan. We had to clear the land and create a roadway to enter the area. We began with a feast, chose a prayer tree area, created a sweatlodge to honor the land and partnership in a cultural way. Our activities are all curriculum tied and honor traditional teachings - it is our way of validating the teachings of our relations. ... More |
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Responding to Place Through Storywork and Experiential Learning
Students are natural storytellers; they have an innate ability to explore the world through their senses and commit ideas, knowledge, and understanding to memory through story. In this workshop, teachers will develop their capacity for place-responsive learning, and the use of narrative as a classroom tool for teaching, learning, and assessment. We will also weave the use of geographical and historical thinking skills with an appreciation for Indigenous ways of knowing, diverse access points for curricular content, and activation of pedagogies. We anticipate being outdoors for this session. ... More |
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Rooted in the Land: Relational Renewal and Reconciliation
In this outdoor workshop, participants will be invited to grow their understanding of how each of us and all living beings exist and act within webs of relationships and that relational understandings needed for reconciliation among humans and between humans and the more-than-human. Through outdoor activities and invitations for creative writing and drawing, we will explore how we might re-new, re-story and deepen our understandings of self, of relationship and of relational responsibility. ... More |
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Taking learning out into the schoolyard: Cultivating connections in challenging times
As outdoor learning enthusiasts, we’re familiar with the benefits of spending time outdoors. Is simply being outside enough, though, to offer students a meaningful connection to nature? One that can support them in challenging times? In this workshop, we will engage in a series of activities that foreground mindfulness, gratitude, honouring difficulties, and finding hope through a sense connection with all of life. These activities can be replicated in any schoolyard, helping us respond to the natural world’s invitation to be present, to find resilience, and ultimately, to know that we belong. ... More |
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Ta’Teli Npitekek Wsitqamu Nature Bugs: Exploring the Little to Understand the Big
Experience portions of a cross-curricular unit on Insects, Art and the Natural World as we explore our place in the Global Ecosystem through the world of Insects. Learn about the Mi’kmaq teachings of Respect, Reciprocity and Humility as you are guided through a series of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) microlessons. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about insects including vocabulary (Mi’kmaq & English) anatomy and their place in the environment. Participants will then share their learning as they create a “Nature Bug” using only pieces found in nature. ... More |
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Transforming Students' Perspectives of the Natural World through Land-Based Inquiry
The land connects us. Come learn transformative approaches to land-based inquiry from laboratory school educators working in an urban setting. Each educator comes to the goals of 'Truth and Reconciliation' with their own levels of engagement with Indigenous Knowledges. At the core of this interactive workshop is the goal of education reform for participants interested in bringing Indigenous perspectives into Elementary and Early Years settings. Engaging in approaches to land-based inquiry, educators can expect to build their climate action toolkit in a collaborative outdoor experience. ... More |
Block B
May 5th, 2023 at 11:00 AM | 75 mins. (Education Session B)
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Actively Transforming a Space into a "PLACE"
This outdoor, hands-on, session will inspire you to better utilize your local natural spaces to deliver meaningful, creative outdoor learning. Together, we will consider a spectrum of nature experiences; a model of engagement, steeped in place-based learning principles and inquiry frameworks. The model also considers how to move provocations into knowledge building experiences, stewardship initiatives, and meaningful reciprocity. This session will showcase how student’s connection for their special place can then support deep care and engagement when visiting protected landscapes. ... More |
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Addressing the intersection of biodiversity loss, climate change and environmental inequity through youth-led action projects
Educators will act as students, learning about the first 3 steps of the Roots & Shoots journey to come up with an action project that addresses biodiversity loss, climate change and/or environmental inequity. Educators will split into groups to do a community mapping exercise to look for issues related to biodiversity loss, climate change and environmental inequity. When finished, they will brainstorm an action project that they could undertake to address the issues they saw during the mapping exercise. At the end educators will come together to share their learning. ... More |
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Are you a boy or a girl? Creating safe and affirming programs for transgender, gender-creative and nonbinary children and staff
We step out onto the land together and many of us feel like we belong. But do our gender-creative, transgender and nonbinary children and staff experience that feeling of safety and belonging too? In this workshop, participants will gain knowledge of the intersecting identities transgender, gender-creative and nonbinary children and staff hold, and how this impacts their experience in outdoor programs. Together we’ll share structural changes, and strategies in play and story, for offering a safe and gender-affirming experience in learning on the land. ... More |
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Everyone Belongs in Nature: Ecojustice in Outdoor Education
Join CPAWS Southern Alberta Education to learn how you can provide inclusive nature connection opportunities that support wellbeing for everyone. This session will guide your role as an educator and caring community member in responding to inequality in outdoor education by providing tools and resources that make a difference. CPAWS will demonstrate how to take immersive environmental lessons, games and activities and apply cross-cultural guidelines to make nature’s inclusive invitation more accessible for all! ... More |
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Exploring place relations with post-secondary learners
How can you promote meaningful connections to place with your adult learners in formal or non-formal settings? In this workshop, participants will discuss place- and land-based education principles. Elizabeth will present examples of in-class learning activities and assignments that she has used within post-secondary contexts, drawing from experiences teaching in Canada, her doctoral research, and a course she developed and taught at the University of Minnesota Duluth called Place-Based Education. Participants will also have the opportunity to share ideas. ... More |
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Exploring the antidotal opportunities for gratitude and eco-spirituality
In Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer offers, “Scarcity and plenty are as much qualities of the mind and spirit as they are of the economy. Gratitude plants the seed for abundance. ... Gratitude is a powerful antidote... A deep awareness of the gifts of the earth and of each other is medicine." This workshop explores the opportunities (and challenges) for gratitude and eco-spirituality as personal, pedagogical and environmentally revolutionary practices. Drawing on Macy and Brown’s Coming from Gratitude, we will situate our experiences within the wealth of earth-based gratitude and eco-spiritual research and explore possible next steps. ... More |
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Integrating Land-Based Learning at the Secondary Level
Would you like to learn how to make land based learning a priority for secondary students? Do you wonder how to implement land based learning at a higher level? This workshop is designed to share best practices of creating, implementing and sustaining a land based program for secondary students . Participants will have opportunity to participate in land based activities while learning about the trials and tribulations of building and sustaining a secondary program that meets provincial requirements as well as the participant needs. ... More |
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Moving from ecological grief to active hope, a journey to and from the head to the heart
How do we move through our individual and collective experiences of ecological grief as we witness the planetary assault of the Anthropocene? Addressing ecological grief and equipping our clients and students with the tools and knowledge they need to mobilize their emotions from grief to active hope is becoming an important part of any environmental education curriculum. Join us for a discussion and activity that engages the learner's journey from the head to the heart to help us move closer to a life sustaining society. ... More |
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Playing, Learning & Growing in School Gardens
In this workshop, expert school garden educators will share their tested and effective core routines for engaging learners across the curriculum in natural spaces. Suitable for teachers with established gardens, as well as teachers who are still dreaming of a garden! Participants will leave with an understanding of the school garden as a metaphor for learning, and an appreciation for the magic that emerges when we slow down, look closely, and learn alongside our students. Bring your school garden questions! ... More |
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Traditional Games - from acquisition of skills to cultural survival
This interactive workshop will not only showcase traditional games, but also look into the history and teachings of some of the 100+ games he knows of. Get ready for learning and laughing and be prepared for movement. |
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Walking Together: (Re)Connecting to the Land through Storytelling
Join us for an interactive storytelling of a new picture book, 'Walking Together,' co-written by Elder Albert Marshall and Louise Zimanyi, illustrated by Emily Kewageshig (Annick Press, 2023). Grounded in Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing (in Mi'kmaq), the gift of multiple perspectives, follow young children connecting to the Land as spring unfolds with Robin's return, Frog's croaking and Maple tree's gift of sap. Through art and conversation, we explore how braiding Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing together through responsible and reciprocal relationships benefits all. ... More |
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“Every season’s fun:” Exploring educators outdoor learning experiences to support increased access
This presentation focuses on a recent study that aims to capture OL experiences within public school boards in Canada. Drawing from our conversations with students and educators, we will discuss factors that can shape OL experiences for children, current practices that educators are engaging with, challenges that educators have encountered and suggestions regarding how to overcome these challenges. We will lead an immersive outdoor learning experience using WorldCafe a collaborative dialogue approach for knowledge sharing, reflecting and learning. ... More |
Block C
May 5th, 2023 at 2:00 PM | 75 mins. (Education Session C)
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A Collaborative Approach to Outdoor Learning Support in Schools
In this interactive workshop participants will examine an innovative outdoor learning initiative in the Toronto District School Board. Using school yards and local greenspaces, the TDSB’s Outdoor Education department is shifting how and where outdoor learning happens by supporting educators to make outdoor learning a part of student learning. Participants will enhance their understanding of how collaborative inquiry and a co-teaching process supported educators to provide students with increased curriculum connected learning through the outdoors and the benefits for school communities. ... More |
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Community as Classroom: Connecting with Places and Partners beyond the Exit Sign
Just beyond the exit sign of every classroom are infinite opportunities to support experiential learning that connects learners to place, land and community. Join us for this engaging, interactive workshop to explore the community as classroom. Be inspired by current place and land-based education for sustainability success stories from Metro Vancouver School and Youth Leadership Programs, UBC Teacher Education and colleagues from across Canada. You’ll take away ideas, inspiration and resources to deepen connections with community, place and partners in your practice. ... More |
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Encouraging a dialogue about getting children outside in ECE
Learning Outside Together: Incorporating Traditional Wisdom and Promising Practices to Futureproof Child Care Programs is an innovative on-line course that encourages educators to take children outside and learn from the land. Indigenous educators, outdoor educators, licensing officers, Elders and cultural advisors from around the province along with academics and researchers informed the development of this course. ... More |
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Environmental education and inclusion: Considering learners' diverse needs when facilitating outdoor learning
This workshop focusses on environmental education that takes into consideration the needs of diverse learners. The purpose is to develop participants’ abilities to plan inclusive experiences whilst using experiential, environmental, and community-based approaches to facilitate learning. Guided by universal design for learning principles, the reflective process will occur by way of a gentle nature walk with participants encountering different "stations" representing challenges-to-learning that students often face (e.g., intellectual, physical, linguistic, cultural, learning disabilities). ... More |
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Heartbeat of the Earth
Rise Up's Executive Director, Launa Purcell, recently published a book Heartbeat of the Earth. This handbook highlights Indigenous cultural activities to connect children/youth with the land. This workshop features the core teachings of the book and how to integrate these teachings into every life whether in the classroom, play school or comforts of your back yard. Heartbeat of the Earth focuses on power of ceremony, mindfulness, gratitude, All My Relations and Indigenous games. ... More |
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How Does Vulnerability Show up in the Outdoors? PT 1
Karen Lai works as an independent consultant in accessibility and inclusion. She works with businesses and organizations to increase the accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities. She holds a Master of Arts in Human Kinetics where she examined the social theories behind social inclusion of people with disabilities. She has more than 20 years of working alongside with individuals with disabilities in the field of recreation, employment, government, and other community involvements. ... More |
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Identity Intersections: Understanding the Role that Social Group Identity Plays in Constructing Environmental Identity
As environmental and outdoor educators, we cultivate the environmental identities of young people. But recent research suggests strategies for doing so can be affected by other identities we hold, such as race and gender. In this session, we will discuss vignettes and data on environmental and social group identities, and explore what these data mean for our work. We will also use research-validated tools to understand the intersections between our own social & environmental identities. Finally, we will make meaning of our reflections using eco-contemplative practices. ... More |
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Learning From Indigenous Perspectives: Outdoor Play Pedagogy in Mainstream Early Learning Centres
Participants in the workshop will engage in experiential activities that they can in turn apply to their own teaching practice. Activities will include pedagogies to support practices such as greeting and expressing gratitude for the gifts of nature, recognizing human interconnectedness with the natural world, and building relationships with, and showing care and responsibility for nature. ... More |
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Nature's NEAR (Neighbourhood Eco Action Rangers)
It’s a field trip that comes to you! Through a series of engaging activities, we'll learn about Halton District School Board’s new outdoor and environmental initiative, Nature’s NEAR (Neighbourhood Eco Action Rangers). Rooted in inquiry and place-based education, this initiative aims to connect students and staff to the natural world within their schoolyards in the hopes of fostering stronger community and environmental relationships. We will explore how to make meaningful and accessible outdoor education programs no matter where you are, whether it is a paved schoolyard or flourishing forest! ... More |
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Outside In! A Participatory, Inquiry-based Approach to Food Security
Superle, Basran, and UFV students lead attendees through the participatory, inquiry-based process they’re facilitating with children in the Abbotsford School District in the “Outside In! Dig for Your Rights” pilot program. This program addresses challenges in educational settings that hamper creation of outdoor learning opportunities due to non-conducive settings. The program goal is inspiring children to contribute to food security by participating in their local food system. We believe this approach will help children experience their world as a foodscape they’re part of. ... More |
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PLT Canada’s Forest Literacy Framework: Growing Forest Literate Generations
Learn about Project Learning Tree Canada's Forest Literacy Framework (FLF), this new resource charts a pathway for those who educate young people, create education policy or curricula, or advocate for forests. During this session, participants will explore the 5 Hot Topics within the FLF through an interactive facilitated discussion ... More |
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Teaching towards reciprocity and identity-affirming classrooms: Akinoomaagzid, Indigenous ways of knowing and Anishinaabemowin
Two educators will share their story using the Akinoomaagzid program developed in partnership with the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation to reconnect students to the land, their language and Indigenous ways of knowing. This workshop will model how to actionize reciprocal teaching practices, identity-affirming spaces and ideas around reciprocity. The focus will be Indigenous innovations and connections to Anishinaabemowin and explore Indigenous ways of knowing. Participants will build connections to the land which will strengthen their understanding of Indigenous worldviews. ... More |
Block D
May 5th, 2023 at 3:15 PM | 75 mins. (Education Session D)
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A Better Sense of Nature
We were born with the ability to perceive the natural world in a deep and abiding way; with our senses tuned and primed. In this fast paced, technological world, we find ourselves seeing and listening to a world that is trapped behind glowing windows. In this workshop, you'll be introduced to a whole suite of activities that practice using your sight, hearing, feeling, smell and taste in new and innovative ways. From following scent trails, to bird whispering, from drawing sound to creating beautiful nature sculptures, we'll activate all of our senses so you can feel more connected to nature. ... More |
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Activating Hope in Climate Justice Education through Inquiry and Reciprocity
Help young learners navigate the path from climate despair to empowerment, to agency, and to high-impact actions through an inquiry-based approach where learners experience themselves in relationship with the Land and each other in community. Participants will explore Branch I of Natural Curiosity (Inquiry and Engagement) and its associated Indigenous lens (Lighting the Fire: The Spirit of Learning) through a knowledge building circle informed by the lesson Children’s Rights and Climate Change (from Green Teacher’s book Teaching Teens about Climate Change) before unpacking key take-aways from an associated professional learning series and identifying approaches to apply in participants’ own educational contexts. ... More |
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Applying ourselves to listening to place: Learning by doing
Listening engages all the senses, and of course, the heart. The workshop introduces key points about the lost connection with land, and the ability to listen. Educators are encouraged to consider the subtleties hiding in their language towards land, as well as habits with regards to outdoors as a learning space. We will explore ready-to-use lessons/activities where senses and Indigenous learning principles are central, and where land and more-than-humans feature prominently. These lessons highlight Indigenous languages, and tie to essential self-assessments. Join in this fast-paced adventure! ... More |
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Beyond Outdoor Education: Nurturing Relationships Through Land-Based Education
SIIT is offering land-based camp opportunities to Early Childhood Educators from across the province. The goal of the program is to enhance the understanding of land-based education and provide practical strategies for engagement at local childcare centres. The skills learned in these sessions can be used in a broad range of settings such as daycares, preschools, and elementary schools. This session will outline our land-based camp approach and provide opportunities to practice some of the skills that a participant will take part in. ... More |
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Exploring Outside to Explore Inside: Social-Emotional Learning in Nature
I believe that a successful and positive outdoor program starts exactly how we begin any indoor classroom practice - with routines, expectations, and supports. To nurture our own self-awareness and self-management skills, we will explore a variety of activities such as bird language skits, basic tracking skills, and scavenger hunts. After all, when we understand natures rhythms, it is easier to feel safe and comfortable when learning and playing in an outdoor classroom. ... More |
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Feed The Youth
Feed The Youth workshop will educate the attendees on food sovereignty and the ways it can be achieved within our lifetime. We will explore existing food systems and how they contribute to food insecurity in Canada. Then we will go over the definition of the Indigenous Food System, and discuss possible solutions and plans of action. Our workshop will include games, icebreakers and interactive learning. ... More |
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How Does Vulnerability Show up in the Outdoors? PT 2
Karen Lai works as an independent consultant in accessibility and inclusion. She works with businesses and organizations to increase the accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities. She holds a Master of Arts in Human Kinetics where she examined the social theories behind social inclusion of people with disabilities. She has more than 20 years of working alongside with individuals with disabilities in the field of recreation, employment, government, and other community involvements. ... More |
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Making Connections: Human Health, Environmental Monitoring, and Citizen Science for Students
As an education charity with a focus on environmental and natural resources Inside Education aims to help students and teachers uncover the connections between people and the environment. Through our water and air quality programs we focus on environmental factors that have an effect on human health. Come experience how we facilitate connections for learners through environmental monitoring and citizen science. We will showcase various qualitative and quantitative assessments we use in the classroom and outside to get a better understanding of water and air quality in an Alberta context. ... More |
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Taking Curriculum Outdoors: the Nova Scotia Active Smarter Kids Approach to Learning
"Come have fun! Physically active learning (PAL) is an innovative, Norwegian teaching method in which classroom teachers incorporate physical activity into the review of curriculum outcomes. Come and experience what public education is beginning to feel like across Nova Scotia/Mi'kma'ki! Through inclusive and collaborative physically active learning lessons, we will explore the benefits of taking classroom learning outdoors and look towards the active and outdoor future of learning across Canada. The workshop will take place outdoors and is open to people of all abilities. www.nsaskproject.ca ... More |
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Taking Effective Breaks: Just Do it
This session is for anyone interested in learning about taking effective breaks as a sustainable wellness practice. Our two separate projects show surprisingly similar results: high school students, teachers, and pre-service teachers perceive breaks as vital to their wellbeing. First we will share the science behind breaks, learn from participants' voices, take a walking break, and reflect on how to implement breaks in our classrooms and lives. ... More |
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Two Eyed Seeing
The Mi’kmaw guiding principle of Etuaptmumk, or ‘Two-Eyed Seeing’, coined by Elder Albert Marshall and Dr. Murdena Marshall, teaches us to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledge and ways of knowing. In this workshop we will explore and show how Etuaptmumk can be authentically woven into our environmental and climate change teaching for the benefit of all students. ... More |
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Walking Together: (Re)Connecting to the Land through Storytelling
Join us for an interactive storytelling of a new picture book, 'Walking Together,' co-written by Elder Albert Marshall and Louise Zimanyi, illustrated by Emily Kewageshig (Annick Press, 2023). Grounded in Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing (in Mi'kmaq), the gift of multiple perspectives, follow young children connecting to the Land as spring unfolds with Robin's return, Frog's croaking and Maple tree's gift of sap. Through art and conversation, we explore how braiding Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing together through responsible and reciprocal relationships benefits all. ... More |
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Why leaders matter in advancing outdoor pedagogy in early learning, schools and communities
The research is clear - children and adults benefit from experimenting, exploring, co-investigating and learning outdoors. But, to make this shift from an indoor space, leaders have a significant role in changing practice. Educators benefit from being surrounded by leaders who embrace and become partners in collectively imagining the possibilities of children experimenting, exploring, co-investigating and learning outdoors in all kinds of spaces and places. This presentation will highlight why a shift in practice requires leaders to develop an outdoor pedagogy lens in their practice. ... More |
Block E
May 6th, 2023 at 9:45 AM | 75 mins. (Education Session E)
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Camp Magic
"Taking kids outside can open the doors to a magical world of unexplained adventure, experiences and stories. When these moments happen as outdoor educators, we often refer to them as 'Camp Magic'. Situations that leave students and teachers with a memory of a life-time and a story that will be told for many years to come. But how do we create these 'magical' moments for our students? Can we actually plan 'Camp Magic' or does it happen organically, naturally and only when unplanned? Join me in this session as we explore the thought process behind these moments and how to potentially design, facilitate and implement your own 'Camp Magic'." ... More |
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Centering Indigenous Pedagogy with and for students in the helping professions
SIIT staff and students from the Mental Health and Wellness Diploma program will share some of their experiences and perspectives on how to incorporate Indigenous pedagogy into education. Through a hands-on immersive experience, participants will be guided land-based skills and how to co create knowledge with students to achieve learning outcomes. The activity is a condensed version of a student assignment in the Recreation, Leisure and Wellness course that is part of the MHW curriculum. ... More |
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Connecting Indigenous Pedagogy to Practical Ways of Teaching Outside the Box
An invitation to see the world of two district Indigenous Education teachers and how they support school wide communities. This is done through showcasing practical examples of bringing land, experiential, play and project based learning to educator's current practice. Their path is to build capacity by helping teachers find their gifts in self discovery by supporting their growth and goals while using culturally responsive teaching models with Indigenous ways of knowing. ... More |
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Environmental Games: Bring the fun of outdoor learning into your classroom
Learn a variety of hands-on environmental games and activities that you can do outdoors with your class or group. Environmental Educators Michelle and Istafa will teach you several activities that you can use anywhere to engage students of all ages in outdoor learning in a fun and interactive way. The activities you will participate in can be applied to science, math, art, and physical education curriculum topics at a variety of grade levels. They also help foster practical skills such as teamwork, problem solving, and communication, and promote curiosity and comfort outdoors in your students. ... More |
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Indigenous Games
Nature Saskatchewan and SaskOutdoors will share their experience of discovering their role in Truth and Reconciliation in their community through outdoor and place-based education programs. They will discuss cultural appropriation and the knowledge that was shared with them by Knowledge Keeper, Alphonse Obey from the Pasqua First Nation. Participants will learn about the cultural traditions of several Indigenous games as well as create materials for your own use of these games which were gifted to them to share with others. ... More |
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Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest- Live, Learn, Heal
Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest (KAHF) is a living memorial to Indigenous children lost to or affected by the residential school system as a gathering place for families and communities for learning outdoors. In this place, land-based learning, and intergenerational learning programs, connect people to their histories and cultivate sustainability. The presenters will provide a brief history of the project and provide examples of land-based practices such as Indigenous ways-of-knowing and methodologies, environmental sustainability and wellness on the land. ... More |
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Looking to Nature for Climate Change Solutions
Climate change is one of the most complex, interconnected challenges of our time. But we can’t lose sight of the impact we can make if we take collective action and look to nature for inspiration. In this workshop we will take a nature-based, solutions-focused approach by looking at circular economy and renewable energy as ways to combat climate change. Participants will also create their own art using natural elements inspired by the workshop discussions and learn how this ties into GreenLearning’s classroom climate advocacy tool and eco action challenges. ... More |
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Nature Play- the secret ingredient for wholistic child development
Join Devon Karchut for a practical workshop, infused with plenty of fascinating research to support the use of nature play. From the development of strong musculoskeletal systems, executive functioning, sensory-motor skills, and overall wellness, playful experiences in nature are an invaluable part of a healthy childhood. You will learn the basics of sensory-motor development, as well as practical ways to engage kids in meaningful play in nature. This workshop is geared for the K-6 crowd, as well as those who support neuro-diverse populations within schools and communities. ... More |
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Playful Engagement in Nature for Well-Being
Promoting connection and wonder in the outdoor environment begins with rekindling that sense of wonder in ourselves. Come with the intention to treasure the moment of experiencing a sit spot, listen and connect to the personal journey of faculty who have moved their teaching outdoors, and reflect on the stories of students learning in the forest. ... More |
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Privileging more-than-human voices in sustainability education: An argument for role-play pedagogy
This workshop will give practitioners and participants the opportunity to experience role-play pedagogy, through engagement with the more-than-human in the environment. This pedagogical strategy involves the activation of evolved, imaginative, ecological engagement and thinking-with or being-with the ‘other.’ The objective of this pedagogical approach is the intentional development of relational awakeness and the building of relational bridges between children and and the ‘other’ in our common worlds. ... More |
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Project WET Climate, Water and Resilience Mini-Workshop
In Project WET Canada’s Climate, Water, and Resilience Mini-Workshop participants will experience three engaging climate change activities from the educator guide. Each activity includes background information for the teacher, climate connections, STEM and career connections, and a climate resilience activity. The activities enable students to understand climate and climate change through accessing and analyzing reliable science-based data, conducting experiments, and participating in simulations, all of which empower students to combat climate change and build a more resilient future. ... More |
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Ripple effect: Working together to protect water
Water Rangers believes that everyone has the right to learn about and help protect water bodies! You will learn how your students can help scientists gather water quality data using the Water Rangers testkits. After an introduction to participatory science and water quality testing, you will test water quality! While testing, we'll discuss how to set up excursions, what the results mean, and how to connect this activity to other topics. The data gathered can be openly shared online. The tools presented are best suited for ages 10 and up, although educators working with all ages are welcome! ... More |
