Outdoor Education Programs in the Lanark Highlands Mixed ages: 4-9 year olds

Laurie Clark
Feb 13, 2018
2 min read

If people feel a part of the natural world around them, and ask great questions, then wherever they go they will have the tools to feel at home in and learn about their environment. Designing a different theme for each season and prepare activities for each day and also being student-centered, following individual interest and the teachings of the earth in the moment. Participants are encouraged to bring their own interests and to share them, as well as to explore the group focus for the day.

Epic games, quiet time to connect with a “sit spot,” making fires, noticing what’s different this week outside and inside of themselves, and unstructured free play are all a part of a typical day. CORE ROUTINES include mentoring, exploring nature- plant identification and wandering activities, investigation using Field guides, mentor with an inquisitive focus, animal forms- fox walking, animal calls, the four directions, journaling, identifying bird language, community justice practices, - oral storytelling, organic art activities, solo sit spots - for relaxation and reflection, sensory awareness (cooperative) activities, FUN, guest tradesmen and women, visiting artists, passing the talking piece- sharing appreciation circles- Gratitude.

This program inspires diplomacy in the outdoor classroom by activating open communication, active listening and respect for others. Laurie offers outdoor education programs to enrich social resilience and inclusivity in the outdoor classroom. The sharing circle is remarkable communication tool that offers a safe non-violent setting for students and teachers to exercise their voice. Offering children an educational outlet in the nature to exercise quiet concentration time while enlivening their sensory awareness and observation skills is of primary importance to help in balancing the biorhythms of each individual. As an Outdoor Educator and RECE, Laurie seeks to promote an appreciation and understanding of the environment as well as foster responsible environmental citizenship. The aim is to offer a context that can enrich and enliven education in all subject areas while offering students and teachers/parents the opportunity to develop a deeper connection with themselves, their role in society, and their interdependence on one another and the Earth’s natural systems.