“Each child who receives child care for six hours or more in a day spends time outdoors for at least two hours each day, weather permitting, unless a physician or parent of the child advises otherwise in writing” (Ministry of Education, 2014, 47(1)(c)). Despite the overwhelming amount of research that recommends outdoor play to support…
Category: Nature Based
Supporting 21st Century Competencies with Nature-Based Learning
“COMPETENCE BRINGS CONFIDENCE” ~Unknown Children and students today grow up in a different world than their parents and educators did. Now, there is an increasing demand for children to acquire skills in their young years that are different than traditional competencies that were required in the past. Globalization, technology, and societal influences require today’s children…
The Benefits of Outdoor Play on Development
“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn” ~O. Fred Donaldson It is widely known that outdoor play is beneficial to children’s development, but what exactly does outdoor and nature-play support? What are the reasons to plan for outdoor learning experiences such as nature walks, sit spots, and Forest…
Nature-Based Learning Advocacy Declaration
It is my duty as an Early Childhood Educator to advocate for quality child care and best practice. Part of my philosophy as an Early Childhood Educator is the strong belief in the need for access to nature and nature-based curriculum to support children’s healthy growth and development. As an Early Childhood Educator, I vow…
Nature-Based Early Learning Practice
Forest School Canada’s guide Forest and Nature School in Canada: a Head, Heart, Hands approach to Outdoor Learning is a resource for educators to implement the popular European Forest School Approach in North America. Although not all programs can be designated forest school programs, there are many ways educators can adopt the forest school approach into…
Forest Schools in Canada
When most people think of a child care center, preschool program, kindergarten, or school classroom, they likely do not think of climbing trees, catching frogs, stomping in mud puddles or collecting sticks and pine cones. Contrarily, this approach, termed as a forest or nature school, is common in places such as Sweden and Denmark and…
Let’s Play in the Rain
What is your opinion on playing in the rain? In the snow? In the mud? Outdoor play in all conditions has immense health benefits for children. Randy White and Vicki Stoecklin (1998) recognize the positive physiological and psychological responses humans have in natural environments (p. 3) in all weather conditions. Having children play outdoors in…
Sit Spot
During my first week of school, I was asked to find a sit spot. Finding a sit spot is never something I have thought of doing myself which made this an intriguing experience and opportunity. I have seen sit spots used in early learning programs. Sit spots are often a place children may choose to…
Myself and My Connection to Nature-Based Early Learning
My name is Izabel Esnard and I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator in Ottawa, Ontario and continuing my studies at Algonquin College to acquire a bachelor’s degree in Early Learning and Community Development. As an educator, I recognize the importance of play to children’s healthy development and I look forward to using my blog…
The Journey Begins
Thanks for joining me! I am excited and eager to begin this blogging journey with you. Together we will discover the importance of connecting ourselves to nature so children can also develop strong connections with the earth. Learning opportunities in the outdoors are more valuable than any teacher-directed activity and my blog will redirect our…
Miss Izabel - Educator, Advocate, and Learner 