What can children teach us about Outdoor Learning?
Details:
1:45 – 3:00 pm
6th of December
Room: Sports Pavillion
Meredith Regan and Peter Kent
Children experience natural landscapes differently to adults, their experiences are multi-sensory and driven by a ‘sense of wonder’ as they explore, interpret, and create meaning through a connection to nature (Jorgensen 2015). As we age our nature connectedness weakens (Richardson et al, 2019), we risk losing our sense of wonder as we guide outdoor learning. At Birrigai we have found that there is much children can teach us about learning in the outdoors.
Birrigai has developed a continuum of outdoor learning programs specifically for early childhood classes (P-2). This presentation will give an overview of these programs and the opportunities they present for young people to connect, wonder, and make meaning in nature. We will share observations of how students engage with these programs, and will describe what the Birrigai Teaching team has collectively learnt from children and how it informs the continual improvement of our teaching practice.
Jørgensen, K. A. (2016). Bringing the jellyfish home: environmental consciousness and ‘sense of wonder’ in young children’s encounters with natural landscapes and places. Environmental Education Research, 22(8), 1139–1157. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2015.1068277
Richardson, et. al.. 2019. “A Measure of Nature Connectedness for Children and Adults: Validation, Performance, and Insights” Sustainability 11, no. 12: 3250. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11123250
About the Presenter
Meredith has a passion for outdoor learning and the opportunities it presents within the early childhood sector (Kindergarten to Year 2). For the past 3 years Meredith has been an Outdoor Education Teacher at Birrigai Outdoor School (ACT). Prior to joining the team at Birrigai, Meredith taught early childhood classes within mainstream settings, including having introduced Bush Kindies within two ACT Public Schools. Meredith has a degree in Early Childhood Education, and a Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership.
Peter is currently the Principal of Birrigai Outdoor School (ACT) and the current President of Outdoor Education Australia.
