As YPCE begins the journey towards re-opening our programs, the Agency has engaged Educators in four weeks of Outdoor Education professional development modules. The modules support Educators with their thinking and approach to outdoor education with children. Upon returning to our centres, Educators will be utilizing the outdoors for the majority of the day to support safe programs, as we recover from COVID-19.
“Outdoor learning has always been the core to our programs, having been implemented differently at all our locations,” said Shirley Black, Executive Director. “Just like our Program Statement Modules, we wanted all Educators to be on the same page and give them a chance to think deeply about implementation, as we transition back to our centres.”
The modules were developed by Colleen Pakkidis, Outdoor Education Coordinator, for the agency with the focus to enhance Educator outdoor knowledge and use of outdoor learning environments with children.
“Each Educator was recognized to be on their own journey with Outdoor Education. These weeks encouraged Educators to develop their plan to increase personal knowledge of outdoor learning and how they offer outdoor learning programs to children,” said Colleen Pakkidis.
The modules were focused first on the value of time outdoors and outdoor play, and then transitioned in a project that had Educators work with their classroom Teams to develop their own “return to the outdoors” plan.
In our Educators words:
“This module [outdoor play] I loved the most. It’s not cut and dry, it’s so much more, by offering this really makes a difference in the child, emotionally spiritually and mentally. This module is key for success for children and adults alike!! Thank you, this one really hit home” – Brandy at Baxter Before & After School Program
“Spending majority of our day outside will consist of bringing out all materials needed to keep the children engaged. Going on our community walks to the forest trail and forest, using our beyond space, and eating our snacks outside. – Julia at OLGC Child Care Centre
“We will have to get creative with shelters from the sun, wind or snow when we get there. But that’s where I know we have a creative group and that when we all put our ideas together we will be able to come up with solutions.” – Rose at Steele Street Before & After School Program
“It will make our program more meaningful by teaching the children in a real natural environment. I believe that we could find a lot of exciting learning moments together with children and support children’s all-round learning as a co-learner. We would definitely experience new challenges, but we will strive for a better future for all children in our care. We could learn with nature instead of learning in nature”. – Anna at Aurora Grove Before & After School Program
“When children play outside, they usually have more freedom to move around. They can do things that aren’t typically possible indoors – run at top speed, climb tall structures, and swing from their arms.
As a fact, we can do all of indoor activities in outdoor environments all year, in all seasons, and in all weather. If there are some barriers in engaging kids in outdoor plays, we need to remove them or cope with them. If we believe we don’t have enough time for outdoor activities, we should make time for it.
If we have a barrier like bad weather, we should know we don’t have bad weather, but we have bad clothing. It means kids should dress based on the weather to stay outside more, and if we believe we don’t have good outdoor space, we should equip it.
So, going outdoors is an opportunity for kids to widen their sensory experiences, and gain an intuitive understanding of how things work.” – Pegah at German Mills Child Care Centre
