Thank you to Dr. Ole Sando, Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Health at Queen Maud University in Trondheim, Norway, for providing this post. Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) institutions offer young children an environment with play opportunities that contribute to their development. The complexity of early childhood learning led to the...
In the last ten years, we have seen a groundswell in outdoor and nature-based preschools and an abundance of outdoor play-based learning programs situated on or near school grounds across North America. The possibilities for play are endless, yet the challenges many educators face are equal in measure. It is important to think through our...
The Outdoor Learning Store is partnering with over 70 other non-profit partners to offer Free Fall Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshops! Sign-up to join some/all of these 60-min sessions: Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors Wild Learning: Practical Ideas to Bring Teaching Outdoors Outdoor Learning through Patterns in Nature Connecting Children...
We're happy to share the launch of Ottawa's first "Outdoor Play Grief Support Group," now open for Fall Registration! Our partner at Playful Mindset is "disrupting adverse childhood experiences and supporting children's mental health through outdoor play and play-based learning." This first Outdoor Play Grief Support Group, facilitated by multidisciplinary playmakers, provides a space where children...
This post was originally published by the Outdoor Learning Store. August 9th is the International Day of Indigenous Peoples. The 2023 International Day of Indigenous Peoples, under the title of “Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination”, revindicates the role that indigenous youth must occupy in decision-making while recognizing their dedicated efforts in climate action, the search...
Organizations that provide physical activity programs for individuals with disabilities are often required to do evaluations to secure funding, show impact to board members and stakeholders, and understand their ability to grow. However, programs are difficult to evaluate due to their complexity and competing organizational priorities. There are also very few resources to support evaluation...
Thank you to Dr. Jean-Philippe Ayotte-Beaudet and Dr. Felix Berrigan for providing this post. This article was originally published in The Conversation. There is a growing interest across Canada in outdoor education that is formally integrated into school. This trend has increased since COVID-19, particularly because open-air environments significantly reduced the risks of disease transmission. Outdoor education is an...
Thank you to Families Canada for providing this post! Happy Summer! Summer is a great time to relax, play, and enjoy time with your family, whether at home, or outdoors with others. This summer, Families Canada, encourages all educators, parents, and family support service providers to find new ways to support children’s play as they play alone,...
Thank you to Gerben Helleman (The Hague University of Applied Sciences) for providing this post. This article was originally published in the Urban Springtime. When my daughter was born eleven years ago, many new worlds opened for me. In addition to the world of diapers and sleepless nights, my use and perception of public space changed. The...
The Association Québécoise des CPE (AQCPE) is proud to present “Projet Alex – Nature-based early childhood education” framework, now available in English. This is a very practical book, intended for professionals who work with toddlers! The eight principles that make up this pedagogical approach are extensively described to facilitate its implementation. Exercises, tools, and tips...
