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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]