50 results for group: health-and-wellbeing
May We Be Peaceful: Inner Work for Systems Change
Cultivating our inner peace as educators and human beings is our greatest human technology. In alignment with Otto Scharmer’s Theory U for systems change; deep listening, deep terrain, and healing the gaps which disconnect us from our nature are our most promising means of re-connection. May our disruption become transformation as we move forward together into the future as architects of connection.
Through developing a practice of daily nature rituals with my Grade 2 class during challenging times, we intentionally attuned to our human nature on a daily basis. We sought refuge from the downward spiral among the leaves and changing seasons. We ...
Good-bye binary: Creating safe, affirming spaces in outdoor programs for trans and nonbinary children and youth
"We step into the forest or out onto the land and many of us feel like we belong. But do our gender-creative, transgender and nonbinary children and staff experience that feeling of belonging too?
In this workshop, participants will gain knowledge of the complex intersecting identities transgender, gender-creative and nonbinary children and staff hold, and how this impacts their experience in outdoor nature-based play and learning. Together, we'll discuss structural changes, inclusive and kind language, and how to navigate tricky questions and facilitate conversations with children. We'll re-imagine and share our strategies in play and story for ...
Nurtured by Nature, connecting to the idea that we are Nature
Blending Forest School and Forest Therapy pedagogies, delegates will take part in easily adaptable exercises prompting us to connect to the Land and each other. Focusing on animism and the senses, participants are invited to their own unique experience. Practical exercises that can be easily adapted to meet the needs of participants in the space in which it is offered. Fostering a sense of wellbeing with the intention that all people have connections and relationships to Land, with opportunities to nourish and support a sustainable and meaningful life on a flourishing planet.
Let’s Walk! More than getting from point A to B
Walks are a great way to get moving, self-regulate, and spend time with others. However, walks can be so much more. Learn how walks can be a tool for social-emotional learning, peer-to-peer relationship building, academic learning, empathy building, and more. Rain or shine, the simple act of walking can provide many opportunities to learn and grow, and those skills can then be applied to other aspects of learning and life. Whether you're a class walking to the playground, or spending time one on one with a child, you'd be surprised how much you can learn in 100 feet.
Placemaking as an approach to increased access to Outdoor Experiential Education
This workshop will explore the concept that "the outdoors" is a construct that has been designed, much like city spaces, by those who hold power. As a result Outdoor Experiential Education programs unwittingly continue to propagate systemic access barriers for equity-seeking groups. How can educators, organizations and program designers intentionally create spaces that are welcoming? This workshop explores the themes and origins of this exclusion and uses the tools of placemaking as a solution to design inviting spaces for all students. Workshops participants will be invited to actively engage in discussion and designing sample 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...
Overcoming the Barriers to Regularly Including Alternative Environment Activities in Physical Education Programs
Alternative Environment Activities (AEAs) are physical activities included in physical education (PE) programs that take place outside of traditional gymnasium, playing field, indoor fitness training settings, and track settings. This session will provide an overview regarding the value of AEAs in PE and research that has identified the major barriers PE teachers face when trying to include AEAs (e.g., costs; time; organizational requirements; safety). Then, breakouts/discussions will be conducted on strategies for overcoming these barriers. Low cost/easy to deliver AEAs will be introduced (e.g., hiking; disc-golf; bird-watching; snow-bocce) and ...
Reading into Belonging and Well-being with Children’s Literature
Books can be an important vehicle for supporting a sense of belonging and well-being within a learning community. They can offer important invitations to discover, learn about, and discuss diverse perspectives. Have you thought critically about the books that you are bringing into your work with children? Who is represented within the books available in your classroom? In this workshop, we will explore some of the opportunities offered by children’s literature with regards to bringing diverse perspectives into outdoor experiences, take a closer look at some examples of children’s literature, and discuss tools that can help with selecting childre...
Hear and Now: Sound Mindfulness for Outdoor Learning Experiences
Discover the sound of peace and place in this outdoor, ‘ears’-on, immersive experience. Participants will engage in various contemplative listening activities grounded in audio-ecology. Culminating in a group rhythm-making circle using found materials, we will embark on an embodied journey through our sense of hearing to connect with nature, each other, and ourselves. A major component of wellbeing is the sense of belonging that comes with being part of something. Tuning into the reciprocal relationship of listening and being heard can open up many avenues of growth and learning for all people.
Nurturing Nature’s Joy
Reconnecting with the natural world is just as important for adults as it is for children. This workshop is dedicated to promoting the power of play within us, the adults, who will lead by example to inspire future generations to cherish and enjoy the wonders of nature and the outdoors. Through reconnecting with our personal 'why', sharing practical insights and reconnecting ourselves with the wonder of nature, this session will leave participants inspired and invigorated to continue to promote and celebrate the importance of outdoor nature play. This workshop will focus on nature as an overall experience that promotes curiosity, creativity and ...
