Web.a.ebscohost. Outdoor Learning Support. Precious Childhood: Bush School - Nature Education in Australia. "I detest schools with a passion.
My main beef with schools is that they are an utter waste of young life because they don't educate. Education is preparing someone for life and schools fail to do that" Terry Deary I am in my element .....children, wild space, time, camera ........and I am in a school!! Spirit of Play Community School is a small rural school in a picturesque old Post Office building in Denmark, Western Australia which is situated next to bushland and a creek. The teachers, Sarah and Regi, together with an enthusiastic group of parents approached me to support them in creating an identity for the school which has always had a strong link to the natural and indigenous environment.
There are of course many differences between Scotland and Australia; in climate, in fauna and in flora, in risks as well as in culture that I need to be aware of but these I can research to develop an understanding. What did we do in the bush - did we learn anything? The saws were always in use! Curriculum for excellence through outdoor learning. TD-Outdoor Classroom Guide. Forest and Nature School in Canada. Web.a.ebscohost. Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. Many people believe we are producing a generation of ‘cotton wool kids’, who are missing out on experiences that help to raise their self-esteem, give them confidence and increase motivation.
Current research suggests that not allowing young people to engage in independent mobility and environmental learning, denies them the opportunity to develop the skills and resilience that they need to be able to be safe and manage complex environments. There are also indications that such restrictions have long-term implications for young people’s future development, health and well-being. It is sometimes argued that exposing young people to any risk is dangerous. In fact, the opposite is true View the long term implications for not allowing children and young people to experience risk, challenge and adventure.
It is sometimes argued that exposing young people to any risk is dangerous. LOtC is statisitcally very safe. The Health and Safety Executive is clear on the benefits: Teaching and Learning in Nature. DIY Forest School III: Sorting, Comparing and Categorizing. This is the third post in a new series about forest school pedagogy and learning outside from Rain or Shine Mamma.
Previous posts include Counting to 10 with Nature, as well as Exploring Small Worlds. This week we’re heading out to collect items in nature to practice sorting, comparing, categorizing and more! Children are natural collectors and my kids are no exception. For this reason we often bring along a basket or tote bag on our walks in the woods. Bird feathers, fallen leaves, sticks, flowers, acorns and other tree nuts often end up in the bag, as well as the rare pine cone or a uniquely shaped rock.
Age: Preschool – 1st grade Time: 30 min – 2 hours Materials: Large white sheetTote bag or basket for collecting itemsNatural items such as pine cones, leaves, rocks, tree nuts etc. Place: Any natural area. How to do it: I took the Little Naturalist to the woods behind our house, bringing along the sheet and basket/tote bag. Next, we looked at each individual pile, starting with the sticks. Early Learning at ISZL: Introducing the mud kitchen.