Outdoor Kindergarten
In the beginning, aboriginal children experienced their environment through teachings, ceremonies, exploration, and outside play. They learned about themselves, and how to appreciate the true value of their natural surroundings. Today, educators around the world are showing how 3-6 year olds can address the curriculum, and more, in the “outdoor classroom”. The idea is Outdoor Kindergarten -- an up to date yet authentic approach to the real “basics”.
I am currently enrolled at Memorial University in a Master of Education program. As an experienced outdoor educator in three provinces, I have had a chance to witness the power of the outdoor classroom. Since having the opportunity to teach in an Iqaluit kindergarten, I have chosen to focus on “early years” and what Outdoor Kindergarten has to teach us. My intent is to research the benefits of Play-based learning and the concepts of Naturalist Intelligence (Howard Gardner). I will explore how Outdoor Kindergarten can be successfully implemented here in Canada…especially within an aboriginal context. My long-term goal would be to start a Outdoor Kindergarten somewhere in eastern Canada that will include First Nations, Métis and or Inuit children. It will be the first of its kind in this part of the country.
About You
About You
First Name
Breanne
Last Name
Card
Confirm a user name that will be displayed publicly to identify your entry
BeCard
About You, Your Group, or Your Organization
Name
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Website
Country
Canada, NL
Please confirm that this project could benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples
Yes
Twitter URL
Facebook URL
Youtube URL
What categories best describe who your group or organization serves (check all that apply)
First Nations people, Métis people, Inuit people, First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, Other.
What best describes your group or organization
University, Technical Institute or College.
How long have you, your group, or your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
Innovation
Name Your Entry
Outdoor Kindergarten
Tell us the story of your idea or project
In the beginning, aboriginal children experienced their environment through teachings, ceremonies, exploration, and outside play. They learned about themselves, and how to appreciate the true value of their natural surroundings. Today, educators around the world are showing how 3-6 year olds can address the curriculum, and more, in the “outdoor classroom”. The idea is Outdoor Kindergarten -- an up to date yet authentic approach to the real “basics”.
I am currently enrolled at Memorial University in a Master of Education program. As an experienced outdoor educator in three provinces, I have had a chance to witness the power of the outdoor classroom. Since having the opportunity to teach in an Iqaluit kindergarten, I have chosen to focus on “early years” and what Outdoor Kindergarten has to teach us. My intent is to research the benefits of Play-based learning and the concepts of Naturalist Intelligence (Howard Gardner). I will explore how Outdoor Kindergarten can be successfully implemented here in Canada…especially within an aboriginal context. My long-term goal would be to start a Outdoor Kindergarten somewhere in eastern Canada that will include First Nations, Métis and or Inuit children. It will be the first of its kind in this part of the country.
Define your idea / project in 1-2 short sentences
My intention is to research the concepts of Naturalistic Intelligence and Forest Kindergarten, then apply them in aboriginal “early-years” contexts.
Select the stage that best applies to your solution
Start-Up (a project that is just getting started)
Social Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
Please tell us about the social impact of your idea or proect
It will:
Encourage educators to re-affirm their curricular priorities in terms of educational and cultural value
Describe the necessary training, teaching strategies, resources and cautions required to take this age-group outside all day, safely and productively
Provide a wider opportunity for all children to learn what they need to know in an environment that is stimulating, interest-driven, flexible, and supportive of various learning styles, and abilities
Seek to develop the whole child, in fun and inclusive ways
Foster knowledge of and respect for themselves, others, and their cultural roots as a solid foundation for life
Your Future Goal(s): Tell us what you hope to achieve with your idea or project in the next year
To be able to visit an established Outdoor Kindergarten School, which would build towards starting one in Canada.
In 5 years, what will be different as a result of your idea/project?
Child obesity and diabetes has become an epidemic within North America.
Outdoor Kindergarten can and is addressing the health issues that children are faced with today. In my opinion, Outdoor Kindergarten is the perfect time to introduce children to a healthy active lifestyle while reconnecting them and encouraging them to ‘go wild’ in the great outdoors.
Sustainability
Tell us about the people/ partnerships that are already involved and why they are important to your idea or project.
Memorial University has been very supportive in allowing me to design and proceed with my research in the concepts and implementation of this approach. In addition, I have made contact with a number of schools to inquire about opportunities to visit, and collect data for my work. They are very positive about my interest, but since they are mostly in Norway, Sweden, Scotland and Germany, the kind of fact-finding that I need to do, will be a challenge.
If there are other people/partners that you will reach out to tell us who they are and why they will be important to your idea or project.
Approximately 100 words left (800 characters).Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Wisdom will be a huge focus when creating a Outdoor Kindergarten program, and I will look to local Elders for teachings and wisdom. It is also my hope that Elders will also attend and teach at the Outdoor Kindergarten School. I would look to the St. John's Native Friendship Centre and the Labrador Friendship Centre for guidance and partnership.
Describe the kinds of support you receive (other than money) or will need to support your idea or project (e.g.: donated, space, equipment and volunteers)
In order to establish an Outdoor Kindergarten program locally, I would need a donated natural site outside of St.John’s or Labrador City as well as teachers and volunteers. However, I am only at the research stage and my needs are based on gathering and compiling relevant data. This would include such things as, transportation, accommodation, meals while away, and devices for interviewing current practitioners, Elders and students already benefiting from these programs.
Do you currently have funding for your idea or project?
No (skip next two questions)
 | 17 weeks agoBreanne Card updated this Competition Entry. |
| 17 weeks agoBreanne Card submitted this idea. |
