in ,

Education outside the Classroom (EOTC) has a long and rich history in Aotearoa New Zealand schools, contributing positively to the lives of many young New Zealanders. The purpose of this study was to gain a contemporary and comprehensive understanding of what EOTC is currently occurring in schools across, the value that schools see in/ascribe to EOTC, and the various challenges and factors that influence the provision of EOTC.

View Post View Link

Author: Dr Allen Hill, Ara Institute of Canterbury Dr Chris North, University of Canterbury Marg Cosgriff, University of Waikato Dr David Irwin, Ara Institute of Canterbury Associate Professor Mike Boyes, University of Otago Sophie Watson, Educational Consultant and Researcher

in

An embodied educational environment is one that is in tune with the intimate connection of the body and the mind. This article explores the importance of nature in creating such environments. The main theme is that emerging multidisciplinary thought on the embodied mind can provide new ways to understand the positive role of nature in children’s education. New perspectives on embodiment can help explain: a) why we resonate with nature and find experiences of nature so engaging; b) why ex- periences of awe and aesthetic beauty often motivate learning and change attitudes about our relationship with the environment; and c) why engagement with nature often has positive health and psychological benefits, including a restorative effect on attention.

View Post View Link

Author: Rathunde, K. 2009. Nature and embodied education. Journal of Developmental Processes, 4: 70–80

in ,

When Joseph Cornell’s first book, Sharing Nature with Children, was published in 1979, it was met with universal acclaim.  J. Baldwin, editor of Whole Earth Review, wrote, “This is absolutely the best awareness-of-nature book I’ve ever seen. Sharing Nature with Children has become justly famous because it works.” Joseph Cornell’s books sparked a world wide movement called Sharing Nature, devoted to helping children and adults deepen their relationship with the natural environment. This website contains high quality resources, exercises you can do with children to bring awareness of nature, detailed information on Flow Learning™ principles, thought provoking articles and online training. Full of inspiration for educators, the Sharing Nature movement uses the Flow Learning™ system of teaching that encourages empathy and brings ecological principles to life.

View Post View Link

in ,

Sarah Blackwell is the Founder and CEO of Forest Schools Education, Forest Schools Kindergarten and Archimedes Earth as well as a well-known public speaker in the field of alternative education and outdoor learning. With over 30 years’ experience supporting outdoor play and learning, Sarah’s blog has many resources, links and discussion around the latest research and hot topics.

View Post View Link

in ,

This site came out in support of the Project Wild Thing documentary which demonstrated just how little outdoor time UK children were getting on average each day. Their mission is to create new paths to help get children thriving, outdoors in nature by supporting families, schools and communities to get more Wild Time in their lives. Includes prompts for outdoor play, an app for parents and outdoor teaching resources.

View Post View Link

Nature Play SA acknowledges Traditional owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and Elders past, present and emerging.