The Peace of Nature

Bachlelor of Early Learning & Community Development #NAT4352

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Importance of Nature Based Learning

The importance of outdoor play for young children's healthy development

Research highlights how important play is for a child’s development. Play helps support a child in all the developmental domains. Outdoor play gives children the opportunity to be free, move and connect with nature. The article highlights how outdoor play promotes physical activity, increases attention span, and well being. It is also important to understand how time and space can affect play experiences when designing an outdoor education project. Due to fear, technology, globalization, and urban growth children are spending less time outdoors and more time in structured activities. Therefore, children’s outdoor time has been significantly reduced. With the outdoor education project, teachers are better trained in outdoor play, have more team meeting and observations of play. This incorporates the importance of contact with natural elements such as natural loose parts. The importance of risk and the opportunity to allow children to participate in more risky activities. It includes opportunities for socialization, where children are free to be themselves and engage with peers. Additionally, professionals and families can work to promote outdoor play experiences and help develop quality outdoor practices. (Bentoa & Diasb, 2017)

Engaging Parents in Children’s Outdoor Learning: A Win-Win Proposition

It is important to include parents in a child’s learning environment because they play a role in a child’s development. In Nature Explore Classrooms, parents play a key part as they raise money, volunteer and share learning time. This helps parents see all the benefits of nature based learning. For instance, parents learn to appreciate and value their time outside. They might also be encouraged to spend their time (outside of school hours) outdoors with their children. Parents tend to be more aware of the value of loose parts and unstructured play. Additionally, parents are engaging with educators and building those relationships. It is important to support parent engagement to help support children’s overall learning and help parents understand the importance of nature based learning. (Gilliam, 2016)

Community Engagement

A community is when people come together to build relationships and connections. Creating a sense of community helps child development. Children build their social/emotional skills as they feel safe and develop a sense of belonging. It is important to help children make those connections with the world around them, so they can find their place and feel welcomed. Community engagement is different in different environments. At the Gamumbi Early Childhood Education Centre, they created a community garden that included fruit trees, vegetable, and herb gardens in an outdoor learning environment. Engaging with the community can help you connect to the outside world. (Touhill, 2012)

Bentoa, G., & Diasb, G. (2017). The importance of outdoor play for young children's healthy development. Retrieved from sciencedirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2444866416301234

Gilliam, S. (2016, October 13). Engaging Parents in Children’s Outdoor Learning: A Win-Win Proposition. Retrieved from NatureExplore: https://natureexplore.org/engaging-parents-childrens-outdoor-learning-win-win-proposition-2/

Touhill, L. (2012).Community Engagment . Retrieved from earlychildhoodaustralia: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/NQS_PLP_E-Newsletter_No47.pdf

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Why I have decided to be an advocate of nature-based early learning?

Outdoor play is an important part of a child’s development. Nature based learning fosters a child’s ability to learn, play and grow. As an Early Childhood Educator, I am accustomed to the benefits of outdoor play and how it can impact a child’s development in a positive way. It is important to use the knowledge I’ve acquired to stand up for the rights of children. Young children are unable to stand up for themselves therefore it is our job to take a stance. “It is important for early teachers to model why outdoor play is vital and to embrace practices that make outdoor play accessible to children and their families.” (Dietze & Kashin, 2018, p.21). This means working to make nature-based learning available to children and allowing children to connect to nature. Research proves how important nature-based learning is to a child development. Outdoor play fosters social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical skills. Increasing active play can foster positive relationships with nature and help build connections. Sharing tips, tools, and informational blogs about the importance of nature-based learning with families and communities can help spread the word. It is clear that outdoor play has an endless number of benefits therefore it is important to advocate for the significance of nature-based learning. (Dietze & Kashin, 2018) ( KidActive, n.a.)

Bibliography

KidActive. (n.a.). What We Do. Retrieved from KidActive: http://www.kidactive.ca/what-we-do

Dietze, B., & Kashin, D. (2018). Outdoor and Nature Play in Early Childhood Education .North York, Ontario : Pearson Canada Inc.

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Philosophy Statement

I believe that working to create a nature-based learning environment is essential to child development. Working to encourage outdoors play so children are able to better connect with nature is our goal. We want to create a sense of community in a natural atmosphere for learning to take place. Educators can act as co-learners and facilitators to the children’s learning as they explore, experiment and test their very own capabilities. Children in the program spend half their day outdoors to connect with the world around them. We believe that the environment  around us is also a learning experience. Children gain a sense of freedom when connecting to the outdoors and this gives them an opportunity to learn, play and take chances. Nature based learning supports children as they assess risk, challenge themselves and self-regulate their actions. Children gain a sense of belonging within the environment and begin to make connections with nature. I believe that nature-based learning respects a child’s individuality and helps children foster a sense of self. Children develop the social and emotional skills needed to be able to work collaboratively with their peers. Nature based learning uses a hands-on approach were children are free to engage in active learning experiences. Open ended learning material such as loose parts help children foster their creativity and resourcefulness. We strive to create child directed learning opportunities for children to develop those key social and emotional milestones. We value children’s ability to problem solve and work as a team to develop these skills in a natural setting. Our program’s pedagogy leans towards Reggio Emilia approach. We acknowledge the importance of fostering self-expression and well-being through creative and active engagement for children. Our program follows a child’s natural interests and focuses on endless number of ways children can learn. (Dietze & Kashin, 2018)

Dietze, B., & Kashin, D. (2018). Outdoor and Nature Play in Early Childhood Education .North York, Ontario : Pearson Canada Inc.

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Idea for an outdoor activity this time of year

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How does risky play relate to self-regulation and self-efficacy

Risky play allows children to challenge themselves as they learn to manage risk and avoid injury. Children learn to understand their capabilities and know their limits as well. Children learn to believe in themselves and perform a task on their own. Children are also given the chance to self-regulate their behavior as they reach their limitations. In one of the childcare centre’s I supplied in they had tree stumps lined up fairly close together in their outdoor yard. The children would walk across the tree stumps from start to finish and would start over from the very beginning. The children would be equally excited every time they completed their route because it was something challenging and exciting for them. This was with a preschool age group so practicing their balance and coordination was something they were still working towards. But having these experiences allowed them to take turns at the start of the line which helps the children develop self-regulation and feel a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy as they work their way through the route. (Dietze & Kashin, 2018)

Dietze, B., & Kashin, D. (2018). Outdoor and Nature Play in Early Childhood Education .North York, Ontario : Pearson Canada Inc.

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Loose Parts in action!

Source: https://theresjustonemommy.com/survival-skills-challenge-building-a-shelter/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes

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What are the 7Cs and how can we use them to transform spaces that children play.

The seven 7Cs are a guide to design outdoor play spaces that support child development. “The Seven Cs includes character, context, connectivity, change, chance, clarity, and challenge.” (Herrington, Lesmeister, Nicholls, & Stefiuk, 2010, p. 13)

Character is how a play space makes you feel and the intent behind a play space. Some character sites include modern, organic, modular, and re-use. Each type has its own “feel” and learning outcome. Therefore, it is important to understand the intent of a play space. For instance,  an organic character type would include an outdoor environment with materials that children can experiment with and manipulate.  

Context is the space of the play space along with the surrounding areas and how they interact. For example, having a play space that is located in an area with no shade in the summer might be too hot for children to enjoy. It is important to think about context when creating a play space.

Connectivity is the physical, visual, and cognitive connections. The play spaces should have a meaningful connection. For example, inside play spaces can be connected to outdoor play spaces using large windows or transparent doors ways. In one of the schools I worked in the library had a glass ceiling and large windows allowing a lot of natural light and scenic views of the garden outdoors.

Change refers to having different sized play spaces in the area and how play space themselves can change over time. In the past, we used one of our play spaces as a garden in the summer and bird feeding station in the winter where the children would look for tracks as they played.

Chance allows children an opportunity to create, manipulate and use the play space. It includes how open ended the space is and how flexible the play space can be for the children. For instance, having messy zones where children are free to use the space how they feel.

Clarity refers to having clear and outlined exits and entry spaces which can help prevent accidents. Similarly, soundscaping is equally important. In the past, we had to move certain activities such as soccer to the field because children were choosing to use the soccer balls on the pavement to close to the garden which created some disturbances.

Challenge refers to the physical and cognitive play experiences that are provided in the play space. Having serval challenges can encourage the children to push their limits and try new and exciting activities during play.(Herrington, Lesmeister, Nicholls, & Stefiuk, 2010)

Herrington, S., Lesmeister, C., Nicholls, J., & Stefiuk, K. (2010). Retrieved from an informational guide to young children’s outdoor play spaces 7Cs: https://sala.ubc.ca/sites/sala.ubc.ca/files/documents/7Cs.pdf

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Using fabrics outdoor

Made a tiny tent using a tarp the other day. My nieces used the space as a cave and pretended to be bears! 

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The power of loose parts

Loose parts offer children multiple opportunities for play. Using loose parts allows children to develop skills throughout all domains. Open ended materials allow children to manipulate and experiment with materials that have endless outcomes. Children will use their curiosity to find ways to interrupt the materials provided. For instance, children use critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity as they explore loose parts. There are three types of loose parts, cognitive, interpersonal and intrapersonal. Using cognitive loose parts allows children to use reasoning and critical thinking to manipulate material as they build or construct their ideas. For interpersonal, children are given a chance to socialize and interact with their peers as the communicate their findings. Lastly, intrapersonal loose part gives children the opportunity to relate to their own learning. Loose parts provide endless opportunities which gives children the power to learn in all domains. Examples of loose parts can be natural such as leaves, sand, mud and other natural sources. There are also manufactured and recycled loose parts. Manufactured loose parts are materials that can be used in multiple ways such as blocks, buckets, tools, and fabric. Recycled loose parts are materials like boxes, tires, ropes, and milk crates that can be incorporated in play as well. These types of loose parts can be used in an outdoor environment to promote play. (Dietze & Kashin, 2018)

As an educator, I think it’s a great opportunity to use the loose parts outside the classroom and within. As a supply educator, sometimes I am new to a school therefore using materials that are already available to a great way to capture the children interests. For example, using the sand outside to make sandcastles, forts and houses is always a hit.  

Bibliography

Dietze, B., & Kashin, D. (2018). Outdoor and Nature Play in Early Childhood Education .North York, Ontario : Pearson Canada Inc.

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How do loose parts support nature-based learning?

Loose parts create an environment where children are free to use open ended resources. They can be used in various ways. For example, a stick can be used to write your name in the sand as a writing tool, build a fort, represent a wand or be used as a stir stick in play. This allows children to use the stick to invent, construct and act out their ideas. In the past, I brought in some rocks for a class art activity. Some of the children loved using the rocks to paint while other children were more interested in using the rocks on the carpet to build. This is a perfect example of how loose can be used in multiple ways. Loose parts support nature-based learning because they are both aligned to create an environment that allows children to increase their creativity, social skills, and physical activity. (Inspiring Scotland, 2016)

Inspiring Scotland. (2016). Inspiring Scotland. Retrieved from Loose Parts Play: https://www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Loose-Parts-Play-web.pdf