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Importance of Nature- Based Learning

Taylor Clarke

When thinking of the importance of connecting children to nature and the learning that occurs, the amount of benefits that children can develop through nature based learning is amazing. Some of those benefits include; learning about their self and abilities, develop a sense of creativity, develop various health benefits, develop social skills when communicating with other children and educators, develop a sense of well-being while connected to nature, develop a sense of independence when negotiating their unfamiliar equipment, and the ability to explore and extend their learning their risky experiences (FAWNS, 2018). Ensuring that educators and parents do not limit children’s time to really connect and explore nature is essential as outdoor learning supports multiple domains (Nature Learning Initiative, 2012). According to class notes; observing, documenting and interpretation is essential in a success for outdoor learning environment (NAT4352, 2018). When observing an outdoor space and how the children are using the space it aids in the development of the overall outdoor space and how educators can manipulate it to benefit the children.

Fawns, 2018. Seven benefits of outdoor play for children. Retrieved from https://www.fawns.co.uk/blog-posts/seven-benefits-outdoor-play-children/

Nature Learning Initiative, 2012. Benefits of connecting children with nature. Retrieved from https://naturalearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Benefits-of-Connecting-Children-with-Nature_InfoSheet.pdf

NAT4352, 2018. Brightspace. Retrieved from https://brightspace.algonquincollege.com/d2l/le/content/95419/viewContent/1887930/View

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Help Families Understand the Importance of Outdoor Play

Taylor Clarke

When discussing outdoor play with families it can be a touchy subject. Most parents do not want to pick their child up with wet clothes, muddy boots, or dirt hands. However, most families are simply unaware of the importance of outdoor play and what benefits it can have on their child development. So when a parents comes into your room upset because their child’s clothes are wet because it was raining outside and they went into a puddle, just remind the parents that their child gained a sense of spatial awareness when jumping around children, a sense of belonging as he/she was able to participate in a group activity and gained insight on different weather conditions.

In order to help families have a better understanding of outdoor play it is essential for educators to maintain and keep up with knowledge surrounding outdoor play.

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Advocacy Statement

Taylor Clarke

I have decided to be an advocate for nature-based early learning as I have educated myself on the importance of children exploring and extending their learning through outdoor experiences. Knowing the benefits outdoor learning can have on a child’s overall development makes advocating for outdoor learning essential. When thinking about future job experiences in early learning I will be sure to educate my fellow colleagues on the importance of nature based learning.

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Philosophy Statement - Nature-Based Learning

Taylor Clarke

When thinking about my philosophy statement in regards to nature based early learning it was clear to me that children should connect with nature daily through various learning experiences in the outdoors. Educators should invite children to explore and extend their learning through the outdoors. The play outdoors will be child led and inquiry based learning for children to develop create, independent and confidents minds.

Risky Play

Taylor Clarke

“Letting your kids engage in risk is not about being daring or dangerous at all - It’s about letting your kids test their own limits in reasonable ways” (Janson, 2015).

Parents and educators tend to think that if their child climbs a tree, rolls down a hill or even climbing up a steep hill is dangerous. What these educators and parents don’t understand is that there is multiple benefits to inviting children to participate in risky play. These benefits include; ability to regulate emotions like fear and anger more, learn a sense of self when doing what is comfortable and stepping out of comfort zones, and building trust with adults when knowing they are there to support them through risky play. It is important for educators to step back and provide children with trust that you are there to support them, bite your tongue when using words such as” thats dangerous”, “be careful”, “don’t do that you could get hurt”, and encourage children to step out of their comfort zone when ready to explore new challenges and overcome them on their own (Janson, 2015).

Janson, 2015. Why risky play is good for your kids. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/why-risky-play-is-good-for-your-kids

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The 7 C’s

Taylor Clarke

Character: Educators can ensure the character of an outdoor space reflects a certain design of choice. That being said, educators can choose to have a organic outdoor learning space or a modern outdoor learning space. When it comes to the character aspect it is about the overall feel of the outdoor space and how educators want to reflect it within the program.

Context: When thinking about the context of an outdoor space, it is important for educators to take into consideration of the space the have. This will help them maximize the space they have but also eliminate the possible overwhelming.

Connectivity: It is important for educators to educate themselves on what makes an outdoor learning space. Having specific zones for children to explore and extend their learning is essential to an outdoor space. By doing this, educators are inviting children to gain more cognitive development.

Change: When thinking about change, educators should keep in mind of a range of different environments, season changes, plants, and how the overall environment will change overtime.

Chance: Educators should provide children with a chance to engage within the outdoor space. Invite children to explore and extend their own learning freely within the outdoor space.

Clarity: Educators should provide children with enough space to facilitate games and freedom of movement.

Challenge: Educators should invite children to extend their learning and go out of their comfort zones through various outdoor learning experiences, such as, climbing a tree.

The Outdoor PLAYbook. The 7 c’s. Retrieved from http://outdoorplaybook.ca/learn/play-research/the-7-cs/

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outdoor-education-blog

Connecting to the community

When children are learning in nature it is important to remember the community aspect of their learning as well. As stated in the article ‘Children learn about themselves and construct their own identity within the context of their families and communities’ (DEEWR, 2009, p. 20). This idea is important to remember as when bringing children into nature you are also engaging them into the community. It is important for the child and their family to know what is available in their community and ways they can help their community everyday.

When connecting with the community it will depend on the individual community, for example there are things like community clean up, where you go around picking up garbage from the eco system to better the environment and even make it look better. Another way is planting flowers or trees in the local park or community area. These two ideas are just the start os simple things you could do in your own community.

Engagement from the families is also very important, when working with the children. When having the families part take in the events they are able to understand the importance of nature based learning and better their community with their child.

When not being able to head out into the community there are others ways to engage the community by inviting them in. Community centres like the library, having a librarian come and read books, local fire station come and show the truck or explain what they do, and even parents who may work in the community at a school or daycare to explain their part in the community they are in.

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/NQS_PLP_E-Newsletter_No47.pdf

thejoysofnature

Taking Playtime Seriously: In Natural Environments

“Play embraces children’s total experience. They use it to tell stories; to be funny and silly; to challenge the world; to imitate it; to engage with it; to discover and understand it, and to be social. They also use play to explore their inmost feelings” (Jenkinson 2002)

I believe, many people view play as a means to, well just play; however, it is only until you step into the world of a child that you are able to see and experience all the learning play can bring, as children are naturally drawn to the outdoors and curious beings. Early childhood is a critical time for establishing a strong foundation of healthy habits that will shape children’s physical and psychological well-being both in the present and future (Frost, 2010; Sanders, 2006). Children need to be encouraged by their parents and teachers and educators to be outdoors, to embrace it and all that it has to offer. Educators are in a position to be facilitators; to provide time and opportunities and scheduled time for children to be outdoors, doing so Increasing children’s access to the outdoor provides them with more opportunities to develop a healthy mind and body. (Riley & Park, 2015). Part of encouraging the play is removing or decreasing the amount of programmed goal-directed learning and replacing it with time for fun and curiosity. Educators are also able to put forth suggestions to families to encourage more outdoor time, that means instead of sitting in front of a television all weekend, take a well needed break and go outside, take a walk, ride bicycles, whatever they are feeling in the moment, as long as they are getting outside.

Playing in the outdoors should not be an optional activity but part of the daily schedule. Even when the time is short, this type of play should not be eliminated. Regular contact with nature can improve children’s physical and psychological health and well-being. When children stop spending time in nature, where should they look to maintain their good health and create happy memories? (Riley & Park, 2015).

References: Park, M., & Riley, J. (2015). Play in Natural Outdoor Environments: A Healthy Choice. Retrieved from https://www.southernearlychildhood.org/upload/pdf/Dimensions_Vol43_2_ParkRiley_1.pdf Klass, P. (2018, Jan 08).Taking Playtime Seriously. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/29/well/family/taking-playtime-seriously.html Frost, J. L. (2010). A history of children’s play and play environments: Toward a contemporary childsaving movement. New York, NY: Routledge.

Photo Retrieved from https://www.northfieldumc.org/event/2018/1/16/830-playtime-toddlers

Importance of Play-Based Learning

Taylor Clarke

When thinking about play based learning it essential to have in mind that children are generally more motivated through play and by play (The Conversation, 2018). Play based learning involves children initiating their play through various ways and teachers supporting their learning through observations of the children's various interests. While children are participating in play based learning teachers can ask open ended questions that can explore and extend their learning. By doing this, teachers are inviting children to problem solve, hypothesis, and develop hands- on learning skills (The Conversation, 2018).

The Conversation, 2018. Play-based learning can set your child up for success at school and beyond. Retrieved from http://theconversation.com/play-based-learning-can-set-your-child-up-for-success-at-school-and-beyond-91393

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Using Loose Parts To Support Learning

Taylor Clarke

Loose parts invite children to use their creativity and are used to help inspire children to use their imagination in their own unique way. When giving meaning to loose parts it is important you provide children with sufficient time and not an overwhelming amount of loose parts. Inviting children to use a variety of materials provides endless possibility to invite create minds. Loose parts encourage children to use their sense of curiosity, desire, imagination and creativity (PennState Extension, 2018). When providing loose parts you are also inviting children to explore open-ended learning. Children can involve themselves in concrete experiences which can lead to further exploration and extending their own learning about a certain material.

Natural Loose Parts: water, dirt, branches, logs, shells, bark, feathers, rocks, flowers, pinecones, seeds, etc.

Playground Loose Parts: jump rope, tires, sand, digging tools, chalk, fabric, buckets, cups, straw, etc.

Indoor Loose Parts: manipulative’s, dramatic play props, sensory materials, blankets, foam, buttons, beads, brushes, measuring devices, etc.

PennState Extension, 2018. Loose parts. Retrieved from

https://extension.psu.edu/programs/betterkidcare/early-care/tip-pages/all/loose-parts-what-does-this-mean

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Curriculum Document Related to Outdoor Play

Taylor Clarke

When searching for a document that related to outdoor play I came across the Ontario Teachers Federation Document. The document emphasizes a “vibrant learning space by providing kindergartens with opportunities to interact with nature, engage in hands- on learning and develop ecological literacy” (OTF, 2018).

Goals: Some goals of the Ontario Teachers Federation is to develop a sense of leadership when promoting outdoor learning and ecological literacy, familiarize self with practices within a outdoor space, provide curriculum that is related to outdoor learning, and engage professionals for further learners and inquiry about outdoor learning (OTF, 2018).

OTF, 2018. Ontario Teacher’s Federation. Retrieved from https://www.otffeo.on.ca/en/learning/tlc/report/the-outdoor-classroom-2/

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Healthy Benefits to Connecting Children to Nature

Taylor Clarke

Nature Learning Initiative states children need “Vitamin G”. Inviting children to explore and extend their learning in rich green environments is an essential to their development in many aspects. (Nature Learning Initiative, 2012). Some positive impacts children will benefit from when connecting to nature include;

“Supports creativity and problem solving”: while children engage in outdoor play they are able to use natures natural materials to explore and extend their learning in various ways.

“Enhances cognitive abilities”: While children are outdoors they are experiences natures daily exposures which can increase a child’s ability to concentrate and focus.

“Improves social relations”: While participating in free unconstructed play children are able to connect with others and natures while exploring in a healthy and natural environment.

“Reduces Stress”: When being surrounded with green views, natural play areas and plants it is shown that children’s stress levels can decrease.

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Take it Outside: Barriers to Benefits

Taylor Clarke

Learning outdoors has many benefits that aim towards; Physical wellbeing, emotional and social wellbeing, different types of learning, increased creativity, environmental education and awareness of sustainable practices (Outdoor PLAYbook, 2018). According to the Outdoor PLAYbook, there have been multiple studies show positive cognitive impacts of learning outdoors. When children play indoors all the time they develop a overwhelming sense of security for that classroom, it is important that educators invite children to develop the confidence to play outdoors and not within a familiar classroom. By doing this, educators should invite children to face new challenges outdoors and invite them to develop a sense of self- awareness (Outdoor, PLAYbook, 2018).

When discussing educator and student involvement in projects to get children outdoors more it is essential for educator and students to work alongside each other and develop a a quality outdoor setting. In order to develop a quality outdoor setting it is important for educators and students to have a familiar background on how outdoor learning and how a quality outdoors learning space can positively impact a child learning but also how a poor quality outdoor learning space can affect the nature you are trying to learning in and the quality of learning outdoors (Outdoor PLAYbook, 2018).

Outdoor PLAYbook, 2018. Overcoming barriers. Retrieved from http://outdoorplaybook.ca/learn/education-research/barriers-to/

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MY RISKY PLAY EXPERIENCE - CLIMBING A TREE

My tree climbing experience is an awesome example of why risky play is so important for children to experience. Through this picture, I am getting out of my comfort zone and experimenting with new heights and surfaces. Even though I was not completely comfortable going super high on the tree, I learned something about my self and the levels of comfort I am willing to go out of to reach a goal. Overall, this experience was super fun as I got some of my friends to climb with me in the end. Making me want to test my limits even more to see who could go higher. Risky play is so important, apparently even in adulthood.

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nature-based-learning-educa-blog

The Outdoor Learning Environment

Outdoor learning happens when the environment around the children is set up strictly for learning and creativity to occur. Without the proper resources or materials, there could be a large gap in creative play and or resources for them to practise their problem solving skills. As a educator it is very important to have the children constantly engaged and working together during their play. It is our role to examine the yard, materials, and or lack their off and how we can enhance the play and outdoor learning environment.

While examining this photo above, I was able to gather so many amazing resources set in the yard and what sort of learning it would provide the children.

Social/ emotional learning: There are many flour pots and plants blooming throughout the yard, which will help the children develop and understanding of caring for plants, responsibility and working together to maintain healthy plant life.

Collaboration: By placing the loose parts around the yard, ( like the stools, wheels, mats, etc) it provides a stage for the children to grow and collaborate together during their play. It is important for educators to be aware of the materials they place out for the children and think about if it will produce play, or prevent it.

Sensory leanring: Taking a closer look into this photo, I was able to identify many objects with an assortment of textures and sensory experiences. This is a wonderful opportunity as an educator to explain thoughts feelings to the children using disruptive language. This is also a wonderful opportunity for the children to make connections to other objects with similar textures, feeling, and smells.

Outdoor learning spaces are a wonderful addition to incorporate in a child’s life. Children crave being outside and exploring their natural elements. Dietze, B., & Kashin, D. (2019). Outdoor and nature play in early childhood education. North York, Ontario: Pearson Canada. This photograph is a wonderful example of how simple, yet important outdoor learning spaces are.

Photo sourced from : https://childhood101.com/play-space-ideas-a-backyard-bus/

natureinterestlearning

Importance of Outdoor Play Pt. 2

My first post regarding the importance of outdoor play focuses on how children can benefit from outdoor play from a general aspect. This time around, I decided to address the importance of outdoor play in a fun and visually appealing way. When it comes to learning, it can be done in a variety of ways such as visually, verbally, physically, and much more. Infographics are an effective tool used to get messages across. They are eye-catching, rememberable, and easy to understand. For that, I decided to create an infographic that centers on the importance of outdoor play and how it impacts a child’s development in all four domains: physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language.

To download a copy, click the link below:

https://www.canva.com/design/DADKqJY2FCg/share?role=EDITOR&token=aFYbuHLRBaB2iwg9Mo8HpA&utm_content=DADKqJY2FCg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton

outdoor-education-blog

Outdoor play and Healthy development

Studies show that the lack of outdoor play is on the rise with children in todays society. The outdoor environment is something we need to take advantage of as educators and promote for, so that the children can be active and learn at the same time.

“The outdoor environment provide for different play opportunities that can hardly be replicated inside” As research shows the importance of outdoor education is not only beneficial for learning but healthy development for children as well. They can learn from nature and its changing environments but also build their physical skills at the same time. Being outside children can benefit from:

Sunlight

Fresh Air

Natural elements

physical activity

bone development

stronger immune systems

All of these are just the tip of the iceberg when looking at the benefits of outdoor play. Being outside allows children to grow at their own pace, have fun and be healthy. As an educator you should promote this in your programs and express the benefits to others to help them understand why this is so important.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2444866416301234

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