Connections in Nature for All Children

Developing a connection with nature is an integral piece of childhood. Through interactions with the natural world, children develop a sense of wonder, calm, joy, and fascination. In this interactive session, we explore place-based learning with children of all ages. We discuss ways of moving past challenges, engaging stakeholders, and exploring simple and meaningful open-ended play ideas and learning invitations that bring children outside and bring nature in. Participants will leave with a nature play idea kit filled with strategies and inspiration, including ideas that require little to no preparation or materials and ideas that include Indigenous perspectives and understandings.

Living Inquiries: 

• Well-being and belonging.
• Engagement with others, materials, and the World.
• Identities, social responsibility, and diversity.
• Others, Materials and the World.

Pathways: 

• Joy in relationships with people, place, materials and ideas.
• Indigenous Voices and perspectives.
• Spaces, objects, and materials.
• Reconnection to Land, Place.

Suitable for students, parents, intermediate and experienced early care and learning professionals working with children of all ages, from infants/toddlers to school age children, including children with extra support needs.