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Outdoor Play Environments

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...

Exploring decolonization in the outdoors: A virtual panel discussion Join the Outward Bound Canada (OBC) Training Academy team on Wednesday, September 13 at 9 a.m. PST /12 p.m. EDT for a virtual panel discussion presenting individual perspectives on decolonization based on the teachings of First Nations and Indigenous groups from across the country. A diverse group of...

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 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...

In collaboration with the Canadian Disability Participation Project, The Steadward Centre for Personal and Physical Achievement, and the Adapt Lab, a team of researchers and practitioners with expertise in childhood disability, inclusive play, and community programming have produced a Quality Participation on Playgrounds Blueprint resource. It is adapted from the Canadian Disability Participation Project’s Blueprint...

Thank you to Alex Smith (PlayGroundology) for providing this post. This article was originally published in the Ornamentum. ARTICLE 31 OF THE U.N. CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD recognizes the child’s right to play. Where do children exercise this right? Well, given the chance, just about anywhere. Play is a tough act to contain. It...

The Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play collaborative invites those interested in outdoor early childhood education to come join our community of practice! Our community of practice is geared towards early childhood educators across Canada that are interested in and/or already in support of regularly bringing children outdoors.   The overarching ethos is to promote collaboration, avoid duplication...

On May 16th, 2023, Outdoor Play Canada will be hosting a Risky Outdoor Play webinar, featuring speakers from Canada, the US, and Norway! This 90min webinar will begin with a summary of research from each of our speakers, followed by what's sure to be a lively discussion! Join us! Register here.   ...