Play Training is a workshop led by PLAYLearnThink and is geared towards anyone whose work impacts children. Half-day workshops provide an overview of the importance of play for children's development and guide participants in engaging in loose parts play. Full-day workshops build on the half-day program and offer additional training in play-based concepts such as...
Adventure PlayDays is a program led by PLAYLearnThink that aims to nurture children's global well-being and development through opportunities for self-directed play and learning. Outdoor spaces at schools and communities are filled with loose parts and tools to spark children's imagination, encourage whole family play, and strengthen community ties. PLAYLearnThink also offers Parent Engagement Adventure...
Naturalized Outdoor Play Areas at Schools to Support Physical Activity and Health - A Rapid Review, by Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, was conducted to raise awareness, inform, and shape school ground greening plans, policies and related initiatives. Topics in this review include diversity and quality of play, age and gender variations, interest, ability and...
The University of Guelph Child Care and Learning Centre Outdoor Playscape is a versatile outdoor play and learning environment constructed of natural materials, with an aim to maximize elements of play. The playscape also acts as a research site and workshop space for faculty and students in the Child Studies Program at the University of...
Several colleges across Canada have introduced nature-based pedagogy into their early learning and child care programs. These include: Algonquin College - Third year degree students in the Nature-Based Early Learning course at Algonquin College examine why governments should include the Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play within early learning curriculum frameworks. Bow Valley College - They have recently...
Okanagan College is among 8 recipients of the Lawson Foundation's Outdoor Play Strategy 2.0 funding pool. Their project, entitled 'Outdoor Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education: From Colleges to Communities' aims to shift post-secondary ECE programs towards incorporating the outdoors in their pedagogy. Faculty at three post-secondary ECE programs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick will increase...
YMCA's National Playing to Learn curriculum was expanded upon by YMCA of Southwestern Ontario to shift the focus of the program towards self-directed and unstructured risky play for children, to support children's curiosities and interests while also building their resilience and confidence. Their curriculum is rooted in research on the association between outdoor play and...
The Glenora Child Care Society provides child care programming led by a philosophy based on the importance of play. Their website also boasts a number of resources for families and educators, including articles on risky play, winter play, and loose part play, as well as links to other useful sites. Check out their outdoor play resources...
Forest School Canada is the flagship educational project of the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada. They provide evidence-based, practical, and inspiring professional learning opportunities for everyone interested in supporting the healthy development of children through play and learning outside. Professional learning opportunities include the Forest and Nature School Practitioners Course as well as a number...
DASH (Dedicated Action for School Health) has created a resource to help support educators in bringing their classrooms outdoors, including an outdoor classroom checklist, tips for working with parents and school administrators, and links to other supporting information. Learn more about the DASH Outdoor Classroom here....
