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Oct 29, 2013 - Outdoor cozy space - This Little Family Daycare ≈≈

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This is something I did with my cousin (age 10) during the summer on our house boat camping trip!

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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The Merrickville Public Library (MPL) and the Merrickville District Trails Society have teamed up to bring a new attraction to one of the trails in Merrickville. The Story Trail is a 200m walk along the Woodland Toboggan Hill Loop behind the Merrickville Public School. The trail will have several stations along the path, telling the story of a popular children's book. "The idea is to take a picture book and put it along a nature trail," says MPL Librarian Mary-Kate Laphen. "There is a literature component and a nature component."

Tim Allen, of the Trails Society, says they have had temporary story trails in the past along the route, but this is the first year for the more permanent installation. The Trails Society is using weatherproof plywood to fix the 14 pages of the story along the route at child-height on trees and a few posts.

Tim is hoping to have three to four stories up throughout the summer. The story trail will be up and running as of July 13, and Mary-Kate will be leading an animated walk at 1:30pm on that date. The first story will be The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, and the installation will be up for the rest of the summer for families to enjoy self directed walks.

Funding for the project was generously donated by Run Merrickville and the Merrickville Lions Club. Tim says the Village was also very helpful with their in-kind donations.

The Library will be scheduling more animated walks along the Story Trail throughout the summer. For more information about dates and times for future walks, contact the Library. Tim says the Trails Society is also open to feedback and they can be reached through the Library or Tim's email timothy.allen.2@ulaval.ca. "I hope it is a pleasant experience," he says about the trail.

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New Story Trail in Merrickville - The North Grenville Times

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The Merrickville Public Library (MPL) and the Merrickville District Trails Society have teamed up to bring a new attraction to one of the trails in Merrickville. The Story Trail is a 200m walk along the Woodland Toboggan Hill Loop behind the Merrickville Public School. The trail will have several stations along the path, telling the [...]

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A group of elementary students leave the school and head for the woods. No, it's not recess. It's time for math.

While they walk, kids banter about dragon flies and trees. At the end of the path, stumps are set in a circle beneath large conifers.

This is one of Revelstoke's outdoor classrooms.

"Outdoor learning provides experiential, hands-on, place-based learning," said Janette Vickers, teacher for Grade 2 at Arrow Heights.

Prior to COVID-19, Vickers said she would take her class outdoors once a week. Now, she tries to go outside with her students every day.

"I really like learning outside," said one student as she counts rocks in series of twos and fives up to 50.

"At home all I want to do is stay inside. But at school, all I want to do is go outside."

Health experts have said COVID-19 has less of a chance to spread in outdoor settings, which also allows for easier physical distancing.
READ MORE: Parents, educators push for outdoor learning experiments to address COVID fears
"Outdoor learning fosters a sense of wonder in students," said Vickers.

Students spot a centipede and Vickers suggest they count the legs on the insect.

Each student also has a sit spot at a nearby tree. The class will do silent sits to listen to nature and be connected to a sense of place, said Vickers. This will be year round, so students notice a change throughout the seasons.

Students will be able to see if September looks, sounds and feels different than December, she said.
READ MORE: 80-year-old Revelstokian smashes national track and field records
Many classes at Revelstoke schools have also headed outside.

Greg Uremovich, at Begbie View Elementary, said his classes try to utilize the forested and green spaces beside the school.

Some days, the kids play soccer. Other days, the class heads down to the river to learn math and science. Also perhaps, to skip rocks.

Even in the rain, Uremovich said the kids go outside.

"They have learned to pack extra clothes to change afterwards," he said.

Other recent Revelstoke school trips include heading to Begbie Falls to learn about fish habitat and the Jordan River to discuss how climate change could impact different bio-geographic zones.

"Teachers are really now getting to choose their own adventures," said Kendra VonBremen, physical education teacher at Revelstoke Secondary School.
READ MORE: New Revelstoke afterschool care group launches
She said COVID-19 was the kick that was needed to spur more outdoor learning.

"Traditionally, students stayed at their desks. Now, we are moving away from that."

VonBremen takes her students climbing, skiing and hiking. She said it's important for students to discover the sense of peace the outdoors can provide and find strength to push through uncomfortable situations, like rain and mosquitoes.

"For many people, the outdoors is their church. It's a connection to the land."

VonBremen said it's essential for students to learn what surrounds them so they can determine what to value.

"It's hard to care about what's around you, if you don't know what is."
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:
liam.harrap@revelstokereview.com @pointypeak701
liam.harrap@revelstokereview.com
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Think outside the classroom: Revelstoke schools go outside to learn - Revelstoke Review

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A group of elementary students leave the school and head for the woods. No, it's not recess. It's time for math. While they walk, kids banter about dragon flies and trees. At the end of the path, stumps are set in a circle beneath large conifers.

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There's no reason learning the ABCs needs to be limited to an indoor space. In fact, there are lots of ways to encourage a love of reading and writing by spending time outside. Here are ten literacy activities I've enjoyed with my own two sons - one of whom is 8 (and an avid reader) and the other who is 5 (and not quite a full-fledged reader yet).

1. Read outside
Grab a few books and head outside. Bring along a blanket to sit on, find a tree to lean up against or cuddle up in an outdoor fort. Read together or allow your child time to him or herself - whichever feels appropriate.

2. Paint alphabet rocks
Gather up some rocks from around the neighborhood or a local park. You can create a set of alphabet rocks by painting letters on each rock with acrylic paint. Choose a variety of colors or make a set of capital letters in one color, lowercase letters in another.

3. Make story stones
More drawing on rocks - this time using pictures instead of letters. Create nature-themed images such as animals, flowers, insects and the elements. Then take turns telling stories using the stones as prompts.

4. Create your own nature ABC book
Go on a nature hunt with your little one - around your neighborhood, backyard, park, garden, local zoo or aquarium. Look for something to represent each letter of the alphabet. Then take a picture of that image. Print out the photos and place them in a dedicated album to form your very own ABC book. Add letters, words and other facts as desired.

5. Use nature for letter making
Kids just learning their letters will have fun shaping letters using items found in nature such as rocks, sticks or flower petals.

6. Go on a scavenger hunt
If your child isn't yet reading, create cards with pictures of items to find and the corresponding words underneath (you can do the same with numbers of items and shapes as well). Kids already reading can search for items using a written list instead.

7. Keep a nature journal
While a traditional nature journal usually focuses on discoveries and sketches, ours include any kind of writing the kids want to include about their outdoor adventures.

For example, this summer I encouraged my sons to keep a summer adventure journal. The 5 year old wrote one sentence and a picture with each entry. (He told me what he wanted to write and I spelled it out for him; he wrote all his own letters). The 8 year old sketched too but also wrote at least a paragraph.

8. Discover field guides
My 5 year old is a self-proclaimed animal rescuer and as such is now consumed with learning about all things animal. In addition to traditional children's books about animals we're also reading field guides. Choose guides with quality photos and simple facts. There are even field guides designed just for kids.

9. Make a backyard field guide
Once young children are familiar with field guide basics, try making your own. Children can practice drawing, letter writing and more as they create their own backyard field guide. Keep it general or focus on your child's specific interests, such as a bird book, animal book or flower guide.

10. Read about nature indoors
If your child has a specific interest in the great outdoors - like my self-proclaimed animal rescuer - encourage that passion by reading about it whenever you normally read together. Take advantage of your local library to vary up your titles, or stick with a few old favorites.
What creative ways do you use to encourage of a love of reading in your child? Related Posts
Debi Huang is a Los Angeles, CA-based wife, mom and adventure guide for two young boys. She writes about connecting kids and families with nature in the backyard and beyond.

Read more of Debi's adventures at http://www.goexplorenature.com/.

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10 Outdoor Literacy Activities: Literacy and the Great Outdoors

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There's no reason learning the ABCs needs to be limited to an indoor space. In fact, there are lots of ways to encourage a love of reading and writing by spending time outside.

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https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/5-activities-to-build-literacy-skills-sandbox.html

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Over the summer months, do you find yourself spending a great deal of time outside with your kids, enjoying the weather and playing with them in the sand? Turn that playtime up a notch with these literacy activities - perfect for mixing it up in the sand.

Each activity listed below will help your kids strengthen their letter recognition, develop fine motor skills, and practice sight word recognition. You just need a sandbox or a space on the beach, along with a few simple supplies.

1. Writing in the Sand

Sand makes a perfect writing surface. Pour a little water on the sand and smooth it with your hand or the back of a toy shovel. Then, grab a stick that's about six inches long, for your child to use as a writing utensil. (If you can't find one, fingers will work too!)

Little ones can draw straight or wiggly lines in the sand. Preschoolers can practice writing their names or letters of the alphabet. Afterwards, simply smooth out the writing and repeat. The resistance of the sand when your kids write helps develop hand strength.

2. Sand Letters

Sand provides a wonderful tactile sensory experience for young learners. For this activity, you will need some index cards, a permanent marker, and white school glue. Write a letter that your kids need to practice on each card.

Now, have your kids each select one letter card to identify. They will trace over the letter with glue. Next, they should sprinkle sand over the letter. Repeat with as many letter cards as necessary. Allow the cards to dry.

Once they're ready, the cards can be used to practice letter identification and tracing. Your children should identify the letter and then trace the letter with their fingers. This kinesthetic approach will help many young learners master the alphabet.

3. Digging for Letters

For this activity, tell the kids they'll be digging for buried treasures. The loot in this treasure hunt are letters of the alphabet. Hide foam or plastic letters under the sand. Hand out toy shovels and digging tools to the kids.

As the kids find the letters, have them name each letter. Older children can also identify the sound the letter represents and even name a word that begins with that letter.

Add a little math into the activity by having the kids count how many letters they find in their treasure hunt.

4. Fill the Word Pails

Grab five sand pails, and a scooper or toy shovel. On the outside of each write a number word that the kids need to practice recognizing. For example, you might write one, two, three, four, and five.

The children now have to fill the word pails. The catch is that they can only put the number of scoops of sand in each pail based on the number word they read. It's a clever way to get in a little reading practice during outside play.

5. Sand Signs

Kids enjoy building roads, castles, and dunes. Encourage your kids to also make signs to identify landmarks. All you need are a few sticks collected from the yard, a couple of index cards, masking tape, and a marker.

Write the name of each landmark on an index card. Young writers can sound out the words and put down the sounds they hear or you can write the names for them. Attach each card to a stick with tape. Your kids are now ready to mark each landmark by placing the sticks in the sand.

Turn your next outing in the sandbox into a literacy-building session and watch your kids flourish as they play.

Featured Photo Credit: ©kiankhoon/Thinkstock

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5 Activities to Build Literacy Skills in the Sandbox

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Get your child learning while playing in the sand, whether at the beach, playground, or in your own backyard.

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University of Washington Botanic Gardens

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Welcome to Fiddleheads Forest School, Seattle's pioneering outdoor preschool.

Our Mission: At Fiddleheads Forest School we believe that children are intrinsically motivated to learn, and that they do so by exploring the world around them. We aim to foster a sense of wonder, to guide rather than compel, and to provide room for possibility rather than attempt to constrain children's interests to fit within a certain curriculum. Our goal is to create an ideal setting for students ages 3-5 to grow into citizens of the world, with a respect for all cultures and environments and the desire to engage with their communities.

With the help of our teachers, our families, and our students we are working to create a program that arises out of the unique social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of each student within this particular environment. Teachers at Forest School act as guides; helping children to cultivate senses that are attuned to the affordances of their surroundings during a developmentally crucial time. Daily observation and experimentation on an individual and group level foster a love of science as well as social and emotional development and self-regulation. By providing structure in the environment, teachers foster the development of responsibility, independence, and executive functioning skills in order to create a strong foundation for future growth.

Make a Donation to Fiddleheads Forest School

Back to Top

Disability Accommodations

To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 (voice), 206-543-6452 (TTY), 206-685-7264 (fax), or dso@uw.edu.

The University of Washington makes every effort to honor disability accommodation requests. Requests can be responded to most effectively if received as far in advance of the event as possible, preferably at least 10 days.

Welcome to Fiddleheads Forest School, Seattle's pioneering outdoor preschool.

Our Mission: At Fiddleheads Forest School we believe that children are intrinsically motivated to learn, and that they do so by exploring the world around them. We aim to foster a sense of wonder, to guide rather than compel, and to provide room for possibility rather than attempt to constrain children's interests to fit within a certain curriculum. Our goal is to create an ideal setting for students ages 3-5 to grow into citizens of the world, with a respect for all cultures and environments and the desire to engage with their communities.

With the help of our teachers, our families, and our students we are working to create a program that arises out of the unique social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of each student within this particular environment. Teachers at Forest School act as guides; helping children to cultivate senses that are attuned to the affordances of their surroundings during a developmentally crucial time. Daily observation and experimentation on an individual and group level foster a love of science as well as social and emotional development and self-regulation. By providing structure in the environment, teachers foster the development of responsibility, independence, and executive functioning skills in order to create a strong foundation for future growth.

Make a Donation to Fiddleheads Forest School

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Welcome to Fiddleheads Forest School, Seattle's pioneering outdoor preschool. Our Mission: At Fiddleheads Forest School we believe that children are intrinsically motivated to learn, and that they do so by exploring the world around them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There's no reason learning the ABCs needs to be limited to an indoor space. In fact, there are lots of ways to encourage a love of reading and writing by spending time outside. Here are ten literacy activities I've enjoyed with my own two sons - one of whom is 8 (and an avid reader) and the other who is 5 (and not quite a full-fledged reader yet).

1. Read outside
Grab a few books and head outside. Bring along a blanket to sit on, find a tree to lean up against or cuddle up in an outdoor fort. Read together or allow your child time to him or herself - whichever feels appropriate.

2. Paint alphabet rocks
Gather up some rocks from around the neighborhood or a local park. You can create a set of alphabet rocks by painting letters on each rock with acrylic paint. Choose a variety of colors or make a set of capital letters in one color, lowercase letters in another.

3. Make story stones
More drawing on rocks - this time using pictures instead of letters. Create nature-themed images such as animals, flowers, insects and the elements. Then take turns telling stories using the stones as prompts.

4. Create your own nature ABC book
Go on a nature hunt with your little one - around your neighborhood, backyard, park, garden, local zoo or aquarium. Look for something to represent each letter of the alphabet. Then take a picture of that image. Print out the photos and place them in a dedicated album to form your very own ABC book. Add letters, words and other facts as desired.

5. Use nature for letter making
Kids just learning their letters will have fun shaping letters using items found in nature such as rocks, sticks or flower petals.

6. Go on a scavenger hunt
If your child isn't yet reading, create cards with pictures of items to find and the corresponding words underneath (you can do the same with numbers of items and shapes as well). Kids already reading can search for items using a written list instead.

7. Keep a nature journal
While a traditional nature journal usually focuses on discoveries and sketches, ours include any kind of writing the kids want to include about their outdoor adventures.

For example, this summer I encouraged my sons to keep a summer adventure journal. The 5 year old wrote one sentence and a picture with each entry. (He told me what he wanted to write and I spelled it out for him; he wrote all his own letters). The 8 year old sketched too but also wrote at least a paragraph.

8. Discover field guides
My 5 year old is a self-proclaimed animal rescuer and as such is now consumed with learning about all things animal. In addition to traditional children's books about animals we're also reading field guides. Choose guides with quality photos and simple facts. There are even field guides designed just for kids.

9. Make a backyard field guide
Once young children are familiar with field guide basics, try making your own. Children can practice drawing, letter writing and more as they create their own backyard field guide. Keep it general or focus on your child's specific interests, such as a bird book, animal book or flower guide.

10. Read about nature indoors
If your child has a specific interest in the great outdoors - like my self-proclaimed animal rescuer - encourage that passion by reading about it whenever you normally read together. Take advantage of your local library to vary up your titles, or stick with a few old favorites.
What creative ways do you use to encourage of a love of reading in your child? Related Posts
Debi Huang is a Los Angeles, CA-based wife, mom and adventure guide for two young boys. She writes about connecting kids and families with nature in the backyard and beyond.

Read more of Debi's adventures at http://www.goexplorenature.com/.

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10 Outdoor Literacy Activities: Literacy and the Great Outdoors

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There's no reason learning the ABCs needs to be limited to an indoor space. In fact, there are lots of ways to encourage a love of reading and writing by spending time outside.

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https://www.afchildrensservices.ca/support-and-services/ottawa-forest-and-nature-school/

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What We Do

Our Forest and Nature School educators strive to provide children with opportunities to build an ongoing relationship with the land, with each other, and with themselves.

Ottawa Forest and Nature School programs, while sharing space on the outdoor learning continuum with other outdoor and environmental education programs, adhere to basic principles that define and distinguish them:

regular and repeated access to the land

child-centred, interest-led, inquiry-driven, educator-supported, learning and connecting through play on the land

We continue to be inspired by Indigenous history and presence on the land and acknowledge that we are walking and playing on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory. Ottawa Forest and Nature School offers children, families and their communities inclusive, safe and supported, opportunities to learn and form connections to the land, each other, and themselves through child-centred, interest-led play in Ottawa's urban nature continuum- from forests to parks, meadows to mud-puddles.

Who We Are

Ottawa Forest and Nature School offers the following programs:

Community programs
Running Fall/Winter (Sept to Dec) and Winter/Spring (Jan-June) children join us one day a week from 9am-3pm. With an 8:1 ratio for school-age children (4-12 years) and 5:1 ratio for pre-schoolers (2.5-4 years), each group of children with two educators gather, play and learn out on the land. Registration for Fall/Winter takes place in July, registration for Winter/Spring takes place in November.

Summer programs
Week-long summer programs run through July and August, 9am-3pm at 411 Corkstown Rd. Families are invited to register for up to two weeks of child-led play and learning in the shade of the canopy. Registration for summer programs takes place in early March.

Drop In
OFNS offers open drop ins and four-week registered sessions where families join an educator to hike out on the land, play and gather for story. Inquire for registration dates.

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board partnership
This program mentors teachers and ECE's in play-based inquiry-driven learning on the land, through six weeks of programming onsite at 411 Corkstown Rd in the first year, and in Nearby Nature within walking distance of the school in the second year. Schools in their third year and beyond are offered continued support in the development of their self -directed outdoor learning and play program. Schools are selected in partnership with the school board.

Ottawa Forest and Nature School is not able to offer before or after care or transportation.

Virtual Tour

A Day at Ottawa Forest and Nature School

Every day at Ottawa Forest School unfolds differently based on the community present, their interests, the season, the weather, and the various loose parts found or introduced at the site. While every day is different, play, exploration, and connection to each other and the land threads through our adventures at Ottawa Forest and Nature School.

Each program values gathering to build community and support children in their friendships. We gather for story, to share ideas and vote on where in the forest we might play. Most days include a wandering out along the forest paths, or sidewalks in Nearby Nature programs, to a space that's been chosen for play. Play can look like so many things - the construction of a stick shelter, the tarp that has been tied up between trees to become a boat on seas, the meticulous design of a fairy village, the game of tag or hide and seek, the squelching through mud or the opening of an ice museum. The play is active and still, quiet and loud and sometimes very messy! Our educators know and trust that the learning is always there - sometimes asking and sometimes quietly supporting.

The educators and children are always aware of the changing weather. Thunder, lightning or extreme cold means that that we stay closer to home, moving in and out of our cabin or yurt as needed, making art, putting on a play or tinkering with tools.

As the ending of the day approaches, we gather for a closing to again check in with each other and share highlights and stories from our day, as well as gratitude for the land, her creatures, and each other.
Interested in learning more? Fall-Winter-Spring Community Programs Parent Handbook OFNS-OCDSB Partnership Parent/Teacher Handbook Summer Camp Handbook
Volunteer Handbook (soon to come!)

Our Team

The Ottawa Forest and Nature School began as a branch of the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada (CNAC) and transitioned to Andrew Fleck Children's Services (AFCS) in July 2019. CNAC shares an office with OFNS/AFCS and continues to operate Forest School Canada, including the Forest and Nature School Practitioners Course, Risky Play workshops and Outdoor Play First Aid.

All the OFNS teaching staff are experienced forest and nature school educators, who have participated in CNAC's professional learning opportunities. Many are Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and some are Early Childhood Educators (ECEs). They love to tell you what they've seen with your children that day, the learning that transpired and the challenges they worked through.

The Lottery Approach

We are warmed by the value our communities see in connecting on the land. We know our programs fill quickly.

We have continued offering priority to currently enrolled families resulting in very limited spaces being available for open registration. Open registration is by a lottery approach. The next registration opening will be end of July for Fall programs. If you would like to put your name down for the lottery you can do so here.

You can also keep an eye out for that date through our Facebook and email newsletter.

Occasionally spaces become available in our community groups through the year. In these cases, we do contact families who applied to the lottery, as well as those who have expressed interest. If you would like to be considered, should a space be available during the year please email ofns@afchildrensservices.ca

Interested in volunteering?

Do you want to support children as they discover the magic of the forest? We welcome volunteers to join us regularly or occasionally. We need your help to chart our paths, record our adventures, and unlock the secrets of the rocks and trees and the creatures who live among them. We'd love to hear from you:  ofns@afchildrensservices.ca

E-mail Notification List

Sign up for our e-mail notification list to receive e-mails concerning future Ottawa Forest & Nature School opportunities. This includes notifications prior to the opening of public registration of all our programs.
Click here to sign up!
How to Contact Us:

411 Corkstown Ave.,
Ottawa, Ontario K2K 2Y1

Tel. 613-736-5355 ext. 356

E-mail: ofns@afchildrensservices.ca

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Ottawa Forest and Nature School - Andrew Fleck Children's Services

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What We Do Our Forest and Nature School educators strive to provide children with opportunities to build an ongoing relationship with the land, with each other, and with themselves. Ottawa Forest and Nature School programs, while sharing space on the outdoor learning continuum with other outdoor and environmental education programs, adhere to basic principles that define [...]

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Texas (39.1% Latino population) is launching five Outdoor Learning Environment demonstration sites across the state, three of which are at early childcare centers.

This is great news for many Latino students across the state. Currently, children today can spend 8-10 hours a day in childcare.

However, like many Latino-majority schools, childcare facilities offer less time for kids to play and be active. As early as age four, Latino children face gaps in academic performance and disparities in obesity.

Latino kids need safe places to play and be active to reduce obesity and boost academic achievement.

Naturalize Outdoor Playgrounds

Play - particularly play in nature - is critical for healthy child development.

Nature supports creative problem solving, enhances cognitive abilities, improves academic performance, reduces Attention Deficit Disorder, increases physical activity, reduces stress, and more.

How childcare facilities are designed can either promote or hinder play, thus either helping or hindering childhood development and overall health.

Outdoor learning environments are one way to naturalize existing playgrounds to include, trees, bushes, natural and food gardens, logs, stumps, boulders, rocks, sand, and looping pathways. Similar to green schoolyards and discovery play gardens, these improvements boost physical activity, academic success, and social and emotional learning.

North Carolina and Texas are working to prevent obesity and improve health by designing outdoor learning environments at childcare centers.

Preventing Obesity by Design

A project to improve outdoor environments of childcare centers to increase children's physical activity and children's awareness of vegetables, fruits and nuts as healthy foods began in North Carolina (8.84% Latino) in 2009 and spread to Texas in 2016.

Preventing Obesity by Design (POD) began at the North Carolina State University College of Design under the Natural Learning Initiative, supported by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation.

The POD Model aims to use high quality outdoor environments at early childcare centers as a health intervention to increase time outdoors to reduce obesity.

Since 2009, 27 childcare centers in North Carolina have been approved for four key POD activities:

1. Teacher training

2. Participatory design assistance

3. Start-up incentives

4. Dissemination

Check out the site design plans and before and after photos for all 27 projects.

Health advocates in Texas wanted to do something similar and use the outdoors as a preventive health strategy to reduce the cycle of sedentary children and obesity.

Statewide Intervention

Experts from the NC State Natural Learning Initiative trained Texas partners in the POD Model to further outdoor learning environment design and best practices in Texas.

In 2016, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) launched OLE (Outdoor Learning Environments)! Texas, with continued support from the Natural Learning Initiative.

Using the POD Model, OLE! Texas aims to improve childcare center's outdoor environments to increase physical activity and food awareness, and reduce and manage childhood obesity.

The project will bring the following components to Texas:

1. Texas Professional Development Opportunities

2. Outdoor Learning Environment Design - Online Certificate

3. POD Train-the-Trainer Series and Development of Demonstration Sites

4. The Regulatory Framework for Outdoor Learning Environments in Texas Childcare Facilities

OLE! Texas will be launching its first demonstration site in Lubbock, Texas (35% Latino) in collaboration with Texas Tech University Department of Design and the Department of Landscape Architecture.

This is a great opportunity for Texas Tech to partner with state agencies, other universities and professional organizations to promote child health.

Kristi Gaines
Director of Graduate Programs in Interior and Environmental Design at Texas Tech University

"This is a great opportunity for Texas Tech to partner with state agencies, other universities and professional organizations to promote child health," said Kristi Gaines, director of graduate programs in the Department of Design at Texas Tech, according to one source.

OLE! Texas will be launching additional sites in Austin (30% Latino) and Houston (41% Latino) in 2018.

Austin Community College Child Development Department will be improving the outdoor environment at their Chilcren's Lab School.

The Healthy Living Matters Collaborative in Houston has identified four early childcare centers to be OLE! Texas demonstration sites.

Naturalizing outdoor learning environments in childcare settings can help Latino kids be more prepared for kindergarten.

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Outdoor Learning Environments Soon Available in TX - Salud America

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Texas (39.1% Latino population) is launching five Outdoor Learning Environment demonstration sites across the state, three of which are at early childcare centers. This is great news for many Latino students across the state. Currently, children today can spend 8-10 hours a day in childcare.

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https://earlychildhoodoutdoorlearning.weebly.com/literacy-learning-outdoors.html

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Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Network

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Play experiences in natural environments offer children a unique opportunity to work and play together removed from the distraction of toys, media and more formal “activities”. Children are...

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Alphabet Tracing Activity with Chalk & Rocks

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5 Outdoor Activities to Improve Speech & Language Skills for Toddlers (fine motor is pre-writing too!)

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5 Outdoor Activities to Improve Speech & Language Skills for Toddlers (fine motor is pre-writing too!)

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NQS Observing Practice Series - Literacy & Outdoor Play

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NQS Observing Practice Series - Literacy & Outdoor Play

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Observing Practice Series NQS PLP - Linking literacy learning through outdoor play