28 results for group: block-e
Climate Learning Takes Root in Climate Action
Eco-anxiety has become a prevalent force facing students learning about climate change and environmental issues. This session will explore the importance of connecting students to opportunities for taking climate action as a tool against feelings of eco-anxiety. Students participating in climate action are able to root their learning to real experiences and people who are working for a better future. We hope to expand and compliment your bank of resources for outdoor learning and inspire you to involve your students in climate action that will deepen their connection to their community and outdoor spaces.
Participatory research with children and educators to support the scaling of outdoor learning practice
In this workshop, we describe research that was designed to capture the experiences of educators and students who were learning outdoors during the pandemic to identify opportunities to implement successful practices more broadly. The study involved three stages: 1) interviews with educators and students, 2) collection of geographical data of school contexts and 3) an environmental scan focused on policy solutions. We will describe the overall study with a focus on the participatory approach and findings related to student and educator wellbeing. Interactive discussion will focus on findings from student experiences of outdoor learning and identific...
Building capacity for outdoor play and learning: Introducing Teacher.Outsideplay.org as a professional development framework
This workshop will support teacher leaders who are interested in facilitating professional learning around outdoor play and learning using the Teacher.Outsideplay.org tool. The framework for this tool was developed by experienced teachers across the province of British Columbia and exemplars of what outdoor play and learning looks like in elementary schools were submitted by teachers from across Canada. Participants will be introduced to 4 thematic components and 16 individual modules of the tool that will support facilitation of outdoor learning in elementary schools across Canada using a train the trainer model. The Teacher.Outsideplay.org tool for ...
Outdoor Play-Based Learning
This hands-on workshop will explore outdoor play-based learning, including the role of the educator, fostering children's self-agency in play, the outdoor play-based learning continuum and the conceptualization of a play-based experiential learning model. Participants will be guided through hands-on experiences, small break out groups, and larger discussion to explore the content and potential of play as an emerging pedagogical current in the outdoor learning field.
Forest and Nature School for All
Dynamics of power and privilege created by colonialism and white supremacy culture have seen the Forest and Nature School (FNS) movement thrive to serve mostly white, settler families across Turtle Island. Together, we will unpack questions of for whom and by whom when creating forest and nature school programs, while deepening awareness around how to dismantle white supremacy culture and decolonize outdoor programming. Through storytelling, play, and considering the ways power and trust play a role in outdoor learning, this workshop aims to collaboratively build knowledge towards creating safer and braver outdoor spaces for BIPOC children and ...
One year in: Our journey launching the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play
Outdoor play and learning in the early years are essential for physical, mental and environmental health and development. However, efforts and best practices surrounding outdoor early childhood education (ECE) learning and play are rarely shared across sectors to effect sustained change.
In 2023 we launched the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play, a centre of excellence in outdoor practice, research, and policy to mainstream outdoor play and learning. One year into this project, we aim to use this workshop to share our progress and seek input from all those in attendance, including on the launch of our national outdoor ECE framework.
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.
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.
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.
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'."
