Outdoor Pedagogy ECE Faculty

What if instead of 'too cold' to play outside, we revisit our image of the child and focus on the sense of wonder that children see in falling snow or frosty ice? What mountains of possibilities remain after the snowplows leave their piles of salt and sand speckled snow behind?

Experiential learning outdoors with 2nd year ECE students. After a discussion about valuing culture and diversity in children and families in the early learning sector, students were asked to create “Snow Creatures,” with connections to the cultures present in their group.

Experiential learning offers opportunity to engage in planned experience and focused reflection, with curriculum content discussed and debriefed, alongside and in relationship with the instructor. This supports student learning to support children's curiosity connections outdoors

When educators become curious listeners and collaborators, learning becomes visible. "Outdoor play pedagogical documentation is understood as a tool to document children's outdoor learning as well as the author's wonderment through photographs and notes" (Kim, 2019, p. 95).

The beauty of seasonal change...what is happening in your spaces and places? Who visits, what is occurring in nature, and what are you noticing? Go outdoors and be part of the outdoor movement! #ecefacultyoutdoorresearch #outdoorplay #eceoutdoorpedagogy

The end of a very meaningful learning experience in Cobourg Ontario! Many thanks to Dr. Beverlie Dietze, Colette Martin, YMCA, and the community of Cobourg and surrounding areas for all their hard work and incredible organizing of a very complex event! #outdoorplayandlearning

Vernon, BC’s beautiful BX trail provided a surprise of stick shelters! Places to hide, play and construct- what natural spaces exist in your communities? Have you explored? #eceoutdoors #facultyoutdoorresearch

The beauty and power of water - natural places and spaces are all around us providing opportunities for learning

Why is it important for college faculty to join children and ECE’s as action based researchers? Just ask Dr. Dietze!

Visiting Montreal with Dr. Beverlie Dietze to deliver a workshop on Outdoor Play & Children. As we prepare, active exploration of the space is imperative to determine the approach tomorrow with workshop participants! #active research #outdoor play #outdoor pedagogy

Playing with water and loose parts allows for learning about how all areas of development are enhanced and how STEAM concepts are revealed #play outdoors #outdoor research

In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, a book recommendation. Elder Marshall & @LouiseZimanyi introduce the concept of Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing), the gift of multiple perspectives in the Mi’kmaw language, as we follow children connecting to nature as their teacher.

Dr. Beverlie Dietze and colleagues visiting outdoor play spaces in Winnipeg this week! Thank you children and educators for welcoming us! #outdoorplayresearch #ecefacultyoutdoors

Playing and learning outdoors benefits adult learners, their instructors, and creates an appreciation for nature no matter the context- urban, rural, patio, deck, field or roof top! #outdoorpedagogyresearch

Dr. Beverlie Dietze visits and plays at a YMCA outdoor hub in Edmonton- children invite her to order soup!

Exploring the park, playing with sticks, enjoying a sit spot...this is what adult learning can look like in ECE programs where learning is experiential and meaningful! #outdoorplay #stickplay #outdoorpedagogyresearch

Just a beautiful mess! This is childhood, this is how children deserve to play! #mudplay #outdoorpedagogyresearch