A breath Of Fresh Air
Diving Into Nature
By: Natasha Dixon
Earlier this weekend I decided to light one of my bath and body works candles and noticed the lid had a very sparkly and colourful texture. Then I had an idea, this could be an excellent sensory experience for children. Then I started to think about recycled loose parts and realized this could count as one! I know so many of my friends and family who use these candles and just throw the lid out afterwards. I asked some of my friends to save them for me so I can start collecting them. This is an excellent and cost effective way to acquire resources to use.
Now this has inspired me to start looking around the house for more hidden treasures. There are more possibilities we just have to start looking. Possibilities:
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Throughout my previous blog posts I have covered different topics about nature based learning including growing up with nature, my sit spot, risky play, loose parts, the seven C’s and how sports and travel connect you to nature. For my final blog post of the semester I would like to provide more insight by creating a blog on the importance of nature. I think this is essential for other educators, parents, and community members to know and understand the importance of nature based learning. This will help further develop knowledge on this subject and inspire more nature based learning to occur. According to Wiedel-Lubinski (2018), it is important to train and educate the teachers about nature based learning so they can be part of the change. If they can see the value they may be more willing to make changes and adapt the program to be more nature based. It is also important to educator families to get them more comfortable with getting outside more which will then influence the children. The following includes some of the benefits of nature based learning that further proves the importance of it.
All in all, providing children with the opportunity to experience play based learning is essential. Some children may not be exposed to these experiences at home so we as educators should provide a positive and enriching experience for them. This can help children develop skills in all domains, connect them to nature and impact their overall well being. There are so many benefits to consider and more learning to do. It is importance to remember that new research and knowledge is always being shared. I strive to stay connected and continue implementing nature based learning into my personal and professional life in as many ways as I can. I look forward to experiences the benefits and continuing to educate others on this subject.
Relevant Resources: https://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/7-ways-nature-based-learning-takes-root-existing-preschools https://clevelandmagazine.com/education/articles/the-benefits-of-nature-based-learning http://childnature.ca/ottawa-forest-nature-school/ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your-wellbeing/environment/nature-and-us/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing Picture Resources: http://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/Preschool/Learning-Conference/ http://pontevedrarecorder.com/stories/study-suggests-nature-based-learning-prepares-children-a http://covecountry.com/nature-based-learning/cademically,4510 I know what some of you may be thinking, how can social media be used as a learning tool? Many people see social media as a way to share pictures, view memes, chat with friends and share personal pictures of what they are doing. Some people see it as a way to keep in contact with other people via the internet. There are many different platforms that can be used including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, blogs, Twitter and more. These platforms each have their own guidelines and ways they can be used. Instagram is geared more to sharing images with others, where twitter involves 280 characters to share ideas through writing. I have some exciting news to share with you all! These platforms can be used as a professional learning tool to share resources and connect with like-minded people from all over the world. How? 1.Curating Resources- Social media can be used to post and keep resources. You can post relevant articles, pictures, blogs and videos that you find. This can help you store your resources in one spot so you can go back and references the resources at a later date. It can also help educate fellow instructors, parents and community members. The relevant resources can provide insight and back up the ideas you have shared. On social media you can share your resources with a large group of people quickly. You can also look at resources other people have shared and curate those. This is exactly what has been done in the Nature Based Learning class at Algonquin College. Students curated relevant resources via blogs, twitter and Facebook that can be used to implement Nature Based Learning into early learning environments. 2. Building Community- Connecting with others on social media can help create a sense of community. This can be especially true for educators and professionals as you can connect with people you may have never met before as well as people you know. You can discuss, connect and share ideas with them. This can be a great way to connect with people who have similar values and experiences that you have. You can provide each other with tips, suggestions and strategies. For example, if you are looking for new strategies on how to implement nature based learning into your program you can consult with others via the social media platforms. You could join a Facebook group that promotes nature based learning. You can ask questions to the members of the groups, comment on posts and access relevant resources. You can create a collaborative atmosphere by liking, sharing and commenting on each other’s posts. This can also help ensure you see ideas from the perspective of others which can enhance your understanding of a subject. This can also help individuals who are new to the field with connecting to others within the community. 3. Communicating Ideas with others- Social media offers a platform for individuals to share their ideas with others. For example, twitter chats can involve multiple professionals and educators discussing a predetermined topic. They can share ideas and comment on what each other post to create a collaborative experience for those involved. This is a great opportunity to share your points and discuss with others their ideas. You may have different ideas then other people but you can share and discuss why you think the way you do. Social media is a great platform for people to access because you can also communicate with people who may be on the other side of the world in a different time zone. Each individual can log onto the site at their convenience and reply when they are able. This means you can communicate your ideas to a variety of people who you may not otherwise have connections to. My Experience Using Social Media as a Professional Tool:
Before September of this year I was active on Facebook and Instagram with my personal accounts. I was connected with friends and family where I would use these platforms to share pictures and what I was up to. Once the semester began I started to see the value of using the tools in a different, more educational way. I started using these platforms in professional ways. I used is especially for nature based learning but also general child development related topics. I started to connect with colleagues, professionals, classmates and educators. I started to notice more educational and relevant information being shared on my feed. I started a blog, created Twitter and Pinterest and started actively using each of these platforms. I really started to understand and practice using these tools professionally. I was able to participate in a twitter chat with classmates and other professionals who wanted to join. We all had the opportunity to share our ideas and resources with each other. After the twitter chat was complete I truly felt empowered with the knowledge and passion that was evident in the chat. It was great to see how other people viewed nature based learning and strategies they use to implement it. I also used my blog, twitter and Facebook to curate resources and share them with my followers. I enjoyed reading comments from others who used some of the ideas I shared in the Early Learning environment where they work. It was great to see what a difference sharing with others can make. I truly feel that people become more educated and inspired when connecting with others on these platforms. This is something to consider for the future. If you are not already active on social media platforms in professional ways I challenge you. I challenge you to inspire and educate others with your knowledge and passion. I challenge you to try to use at least one platform in a professional way. I am positive you will begin to understand and see the benefits for yourself. Now what are you waiting for? Relevant Resources: Want tips? Check out the following resources that provide great insight and the “dos” and “don’ts” of using social media as a professional platform. https://learningfirst.org/blog/social-media-helps-educators-build-professional-learning-communities https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/social-media-professional-learning-tool Picture Resources: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/02/15/facebook_2fa_phone_spam/ https://www.wired.com/story/instagram-sponsored-posts/ https://twitter.com/twitter https://www.ecampusnews.com/2016/01/15/higher-ed-blogs-277/ https://www.adlibbing.org/2018/02/12/4-lessons-from-top-social-media-publishers/ https://research.uiowa.edu/communicating-ideas-workshop http://www.curata.com/blog/content-curation-tools-the-ultimate-list The Seven C’s According to Davidson (2016), the seven C’s can be used to create a quality outdoor learning environment for children. The seven C’s include challenge, clarity, chance, change, connectivity, context and character. The seven C’s act as a guide to help set up an environment that promotes learning and engagement for children in a developmentally appropriate way. This guide can be used by Early Childhood Educators, administrators, parents and community members. They are suggestions that highlight things to consider when the planning for an outdoor environment or when considering how to adapt an existing environment. Below is a list of what the seven C’s are and what they mean:
Is it essential to consider the seven C’s when creating an outdoor environment to ensure the space is appropriately designed to meet the needs of all children. According to Nichollas (2007), it is important to create an outdoor environment for children that promotes engagement because this may be their first exposure to an outdoor environment away from their primary caregivers. This shows the importance of creating an environment suitable for children to play, explore, learn, take risks, build character and overcome challenges. These are all basic play skills that children can practice in an effective outdoor space. When an environment is set up for success children can learn to challenge themselves by taking risks with the materials provided. This can include jumping off higher platforms. With ample materials children can manipulate and create different structures. They can use their creativity to come up with new and different ideas. Children can build connect their cognitive, physical, and visual skills as they engage in experiences that stimulate development in these domains. A large open area with minimal obstructions can provide more opportunity to build and explore. Dietze & Kashin (2018), suggest that an outdoor environment should include adequate, flexible and simple space. Dietze & Kashin (2018) suggest that visibility, expression, and engagement are essential qualities of an outdoor environment. These qualities directly relate to the seven C’s. Visibility is related to clarity as it involves ensuring the materials are easily accessible to the children. Expression and engagement relate to connectivity as the children are able to express themselves cognitively, socially, and emotionally in a safe environment. They can engage in their environment however they want. Overall, it is essential to consider the seven C’s when creating an outdoor environment to ensure the environment creates optimal learning experiences for children. Considering each “C” will help you understand and appreciate the outdoor environment. It can also help you come up with effective materials and strategies for a successfully environment to inspire learning and creativity. Relevant Resources: These resources highlight the seven C’s and how they can be implemented. It also has information about conferences, education, play and planning which can be useful in the early childhood education field. https://www.childinthecity.org/2016/04/05/an-information-guide-for-designing-outdoor-play-spaces/ file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/ubc_2007-0203a%20(1).pdf Dietze, B., & Kashin, D. (2018). Outdoor and nature play in early childhood education. North York, Ontario: Pearson Canada. Picture Resources: http://outdoorplaybook.ca/learn/play-research/the-7-cs/ I have decided to be an advocate for nature based learning because I am become increasingly aware of the benefits of getting outside to learn. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with others so they can understand the benefits and what they can do to appreciate nature based learning. I have noticed that some educators and families seem to be unaware of the benefits of nature based learning and could be unsure of how to implement it. By becoming an advocate I will be part of the change and making a difference in the lives of children. This helps make me feel empowered and proud to be educating others and helping them implement changes to benefit children. Through the Nature Based Learning course at Algonquin College we have learned about how to be an advocate. There are many ways to share thoughts, ideas and references with others. This includes blogs, social media and word of mouth. It is essential to consider the relevance and accuracy of the information being shared to ensure you stay reputable and trusted within the community. Sharing relevant information with families and parents can help them come up with different strategies on how to implement nature based learning into their everyday lives. According to the North American Association for Environmental Education (2018), it is essential to teach children about the world around them using hands on experience. This further proves the importance of advocating so that parents and community members can turn this knowledge into experience. The North American Association for Environmental Education (2018), strives to provide families and community members with the right tools to create effective learning experiences for children. This process involves building the case, providing tools, promoting access for all, advocating for children and creating a community (North American Association for Environmental Education, 2018). This helps advocates understand the process of advocating which involves building on your knowledge and backing up your ideas. In order for other people to understand the benefits of nature based learning it is important for us to advocate and share our understanding of why it is important. This can include finding relevant theorists and research to further prove the importance. This can help others become aware of the benefits which could encourage them to practice nature based learning in their everyday lives. Overall, I see the value of what children can learn when getting outside. Children are able to get hands on experience by exploring with their five senses. They are able to express their freedom and creativity as they explore the world around them. If we would like to see a change we need to be part of sharing the knowledge and creating a community of nature lovers who are able to express themselves in a positive, enriching and accessible outdoor environment. I strive to use my experience, knowledge and abilities to create an optimal learning experience for everyone involved. Relevant Resources:
https://naturalstart.org/bright-ideas/help-make-case-nature-based-early-childhood-education https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2444866416301234 Dietze, B., & Kashin, D. (2018). Outdoor and nature play in early childhood education. North York, Ontario: Pearson Canada. Pictures Resources: https://www.google.ca/search?biw=1366&bih=626&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=MB8LXJLBBOnOjwStub2oCA&q=nature+based+learning&oq=nature+based+learning&gs_l=img.3..0j0i24l6.41276.43958..44133...0.0..0.353.2351.15j1j1j2......0....1..gws-wiz-img.....0..0i67.s_woB1eZM7U#imgrc=VcklI8JgWLrrMM: https://forestmaidens.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_1333-4.png Loose Parts: According to Caldwell (2016), loose parts are open ended materials that have no limits and can be used in a variety of ways. Loose parts can be used by children and adults of all ages. They can be used in a variety of play experiences including dramatic, social, constructive, symbolic, parallel, and solitary play (Dietze & Kashin, 2018). The assortment of experiences children can engage in further enhances the importance of loose parts. Benefits of Loose Parts: Loose parts give children the opportunity to explore materials and use their creativity to engage with the resources however they want. Children learn so many valuable skills as they engage with loose parts including physical, cognitive, language and social development. Children can be exposed to different colours and shapes with loose parts. They can explore basic mathematics by counting, sorting, and seriating the items. They can use their fine motor skills as they manipulate and pick up small objects. They will use their strength to pick up larger objects and construct things out of the loose parts. Children can build on their social skills as they interact with others and come up with creative ways to use their materials. They can use their expressive language skills to communicate with each other. They can further enhance their social skills as they work together to construct masterpieces. Children also have the opportunity to use their creativity, imagination and collaboration as they play with loose parts. These are just some of the benefits of using loose parts, there are many more. Exposing children to loose parts will help you see and understand the benefits as they children engage with the materials. According to Dietza & Kashin (2018), loose parts can be categorized into three different groups including natural, manufactured and recycled loose parts. Loose parts can be found anywhere including home, outside, stores and in the recycling. Loose parts can really be made out of anything that gives children the freedom to explore the materials.
According to Dietza & Kashin (2018), there are five key elements when considering loose parts for an outdoor environment which includes flexibility, adaptability, children’s competence, availability, and sustainability. Flexibility involves considering how many different ways a material can be used. The more ways the materials can be used the more creativity the children can use. It is essential to consider adaptable materials by ensuring items can be used in different ways and can be adapted to enhance the different experiences. Since children have different abilities the materials should provide the children the opportunity to play with the materials on their own with minimal assistance from adults. This helps promote independence and freedom as they can decide on their own what to do. Ideally the materials will be easily accessible including materials that can be found outdoors and recycled items. You could also encourage families to donate certain items they may not need any more including old tires, tarps and furniture. This helps ensure materials are cost effective so more options are available. According to Dietza & Kashin (2018), it is important for the items to be sustainable and durable. This will ensure the items last for a long time and can be left outdoors. This can give children the opportunity to leave what they are building and return to add to it day after day. Overall, I truly see the value in loose parts both indoors and outdoors in early learning environments. It provides ample opportunity to inspire creativity, passion and collaboration. Children can learn valuable skills as they engage with the materials. The open ended materials provide endless learning experiences that are essential for the overall development of a child. Useful Video: Below is a video clearly explaining what loose parts are and how they can be used. It shows children engage with loose parts and some example of what they children did with the materials provided. It offers great insight for parents and educators to see the value of loose parts in outdoor environments. www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=7X5N4on2ryc Relevant Resources: https://creativestarlearning.co.uk/book-reviews/the-loose-parts-play-toolkit/ https://fairydustteaching.com/2016/10/loose-parts/ https://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/loose-parts-play-kids.html Dietze, B., & Kashin, D. (2018). Outdoor and nature play in early childhood education. North York, Ontario: Pearson Canada. Picture Resources: https://fairydustteaching.com/programs/ https://irresistible-learning.co.uk/training/ https://sharinwithsharron.wordpress.com/ https://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Recycling_Symbol A sit spot is a place to go to get away from the busyness of the environment around you. It is a calm place where you are able to enjoy the environment, connect to nature, and learn about your ecological identify. A sit spot can be a place close to home or a place farther away from your home where you go to get away. In sit spots, people are able to listen to nature, watch nature and smell nature. It provides the opportunity to truly connect and appreciate the world. It is the perfect place to observe and reflect on yourself and your experiences. Sit spots are perfect for adults and children to connect to nature which further highlights the benefits. One of my favorite sit spots is at the end of the dock at the cottage. I have always enjoyed going to the cottage as there is so much to do in nature. It gives me the opportunity to get away and enjoy nature. I enjoy this sit spot at the end of the dock so much because it is a calm, beautiful, and private space. I enjoy looking at the water where I will often notice fish swimming or turtles popping their heads up. It is the perfect place to sit and reflect to myself. I am typically in a positive mood when I go to this sit spot. I enjoy sitting their for hours soaking up the sun and observing the nature around. Across from the sit spot there are multiple trees to look at as well. It is especially beautiful in the fall when the trees turn different colours. Another aspect that makes this sit spot so peaceful is the sounds in the environment. I enjoy closing my eyes to listen to the bird chirping and the waves. It is a sit spot that I frequently go back to and will continue to visit to feel more connected to nature. I recommend that everyone finds at least one sit spot they can frequently visit to enjoy nature. There are so many benefits that you will understand once you find a sit spot. Get outside and enjoy nature! Related Resource: For more information on what a sit spot it and what you can do in a sit spot click the link below. It is very useful and in simple language that is easy to read and understand. static1.squarespace.com/static/59a81de0579fb39e3ef2ab26/t/5a5d5a6bec212dbcc76296cb/1516067435985/Discovery+Journal+How+to+Guide.pdf About The Pictures: The first picture is a picture of a turtle I saw swimming in the water at the cottage. The other two pictures are pictures of the views I would have from my sit spot. How relaxing! What is Risky Play? "Risky play can be defined as a thrilling and exciting activity that involves a risk of physical injury, and play that provides opportunities for challenge, testing limits, exploring boundaries and learning about injury risk" (Little & Wyver, 2008) Furthermore, according to Gray (2014), there are six different types of risky play including great heights, rapid speeds, dangerous tools, dangerous elements, rough and tumble play and disappearing/getting lost. Each individual has a different definition of what risky play is based on their personal comfort level, ability, and experiences. The Importance of Risky Play Children and adults learn so many valuable life skills while participating in risky play. Children learn about assessing risks, safety awareness and observing the environment around them. They also learn resilience, balance, coordination, resourcefulness, independence and problem solving. The skills that children learn are endless! Giving children the opportunity to experience risky play gave truly help children build their confidence as they are able to do things on their own. They are able to decide what they want to do, how they are going to do it, and how to solve a problem if it comes up. They learn to think quickly in a variety of situations. The more children are exposed to the more they learn which further highlights the need for risky play in our every day lives. My Experience with Risky Play Earlier this month as part of a take it outside challenge I climbed a large tree and stood on one of the branches and took a minute to look around and enjoy the view. It was truly exhilarating using all of my strength and energy to try to get up that tree considering the first branch was pretty high off the ground. I felt accomplished and proud that I was able to get up there. My mom was taking the pictures and her and I were both laughing having a great time during this experience. I was able to build my strength, gross motor skills and confidence during this risky experience. In the summer my friends and I decided to go white water rafting, something the most of us hadn't done before. I was excited and terrified all at the same time. Once we started paddling and going over the first rapid I started to really have fun and realize it isn't so scary after all. This further proves the importance of risky play. Once you learn and experience risk taking individuals often become more comfortable and willing to take more risks. I was able to build my coordination as I was paddling and focusing on the rapids ahead. For those of you who may not know I am scared of heights. Heights make me nervous, so this summer I made it my mission to try to overcome this fear. I decided to go cliff jumping at a cottage and zip lining in Montreal. These were both very risky things for me to do. I used my courage and confidence to overcome the fear. I had it in my mind that I was going to do it and I did. It was so exciting and made me more comfortable with the risks involved. I learned the perseverance is key. In the past I would usually take a lot of time to decide if I wanted to jump off the cliff and would look down at the water and think more about jumping. This time I got to the top and just jumped! I was confident and excited for this experience. My Personal Thoughts
As an RECE, I understand and value the importance of risky play. I do have a confession to make though, it can make me nervous! This is something I am working on because I understand how much children benefit from risky play. I still sometimes get nervous when young children start to climb up very high on the play structure with no protective barrier, or when children go to jump off high platforms. I think part of this is just me worrying about parents reactions to what children are doing. As an educator I feel like there is a sense of responsibility to what parents will think and how they will react to what their children are doing. I have been focusing on educating parents about risky play and reassuring them that it is okay. I am becoming more confident explaining to parents the benefits of risky play and all the skills the children are learning. The more the parents see their children participate in risky play the more comfortable they seem to get with it. Over the past few months I have been taking a step back and really evaluating what is safe. Similarly to the parents the more I encourage and am exposed to risky play the more I seem to encourage it. It is like a ripple effect of fun, freedom, and possibilities. The question is where will the next risky experience take us? The possibilities are endless! Related Resources: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/freedom-learn/201404/risky-play-why-children-love-it-and-need-it This website highlights the various aspects of risky play including but not limited to great heights and rapid speed. It breaks down different ages and examples of risky play which can be beneficial for parents and educators to read and understand. wehavekids.com/parenting/The-Importance-of-Risky-Play-in-Early-Childhood This article talks about hovering as an adult and the importance of letting children take risks. It talks about it from the parents perspective which can be useful for parents to better understand the key points. earlyyearsoutdooreducation.wordpress.com/outdoor-risky-play-for-all/ Risky play from the perspective of an early childhood educator and information on the declining opportunities of risky play. I have always enjoyed traveling and in the past few years I have went to Hawaii, Florida, Calgary, and Niagara Falls. During each of these experiences I have enjoyed exploring and find different nature spots in the area. It has given me a new appreciation for nature and has got me wondering what other nature sit spots there are around the world. |
Natasha DixonThis blog is dedicated to diving into nature in every way, shape and form. I want to truly enjoy my time in Nature and further explore different aspects of nature. |