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...
The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is among 8 recipients of the Lawson Foundation's Outdoor Play Strategy 2.0 funding pool. Their project, entitled 'Embedding Outdoor Play Training: A YMCA National Early Learning and Child Care Transformation' aims to embed outdoor pedagogy across the YMCA national network and curriculum through a train-the-trainer model. The training focuses on incorporating...
The University of British Columbia is among 8 recipients of the Lawson Foundation's Outdoor Play Strategy 2.0 funding pool. Their project, entitled 'PROmoting Early Childhood Outside (PRO-ECO): An Outdoor Play Intervention for Children Aged 3 to 5 Years in Early Learning and Child Care Programs' aims to increase children's time in quality outdoor play in Early...
Outdoor Play Canada is among 8 recipients of the Lawson Foundation's Outdoor Play Strategy 2.0 funding pool. As part of this project pool, we aim to galvanize the outdoor play movement across Canada and power it to new levels. We have the following 5 strategic priorities: Establish and operate OPC Provide leadership and strategic direction for...
The Regroupement des Centres de la Petite Enfance de la Monteregie (RCPEM) is among 8 recipients of the Lawson Foundation's Outdoor Play Strategy 2.0 funding pool. The RCPEM project, entitled 'Creating Optimal Outdoor Spaces for Infants and Toddlers in Early Learning and Child Care Centers' aims to strengthen the outdoor play-based educational practices of their early...
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning is among 8 recipients of the Lawson Foundation's Outdoor Play Strategy 2.0 funding pool. Their project, entitled 'Two-Eyed Seeing Approach to Land-based Play and Co-learning in Early Learning and Child Care Ecosystems' aims to shift post-secondary early childhood education, in-service professional development, and early years programming to advance...
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...
