Linking Literacy Learning to Nature and the Outdoors (K-8)
Offered as part of the OTF Summer Program 2012 through COEO with the support of LSF
Dates: July 17 and 18
Location: Mississauga U of T campus
Cost: $100 includes two days of program, breakfast and lunches and overnight accommodation.
Register by June 8 at https://event-wizard.com/OTFSummerProgram2012/0/welcome/. Select COEO/Outdoor Education. Open to OTF members only. School teams welcomed to attend.
Description: Outside every school there’s an array of experiences that deeply engage learners. By linking these to learning expectations in literacy, numeracy and other subjects, teachers bring the vibrancy of the real world to the essential tasks of developing literacy and numeracy skills. We explore how to engage every student by using the built, cultural and natural environments right outside the school doors.
Teachers will gain:
- Field-based pedagogical skills that address the challenges of taking your class to learn outdoors.
- Experience in identifying the natural phenomena and biodiversity in most schoolyards and neighborhoods throughout the year.
- Identification and application of key learning strategies such as inquiry, integration, acting on learning and making real world connections to create meaningful learning experiences that address curriculum expectations.
Activities to include:
- Professional inquiry approaches to identify the issues and challenges that each participant wishes to address.
- Individual and group reflection and daily feedback.
- Learning through direct experience by being outside for much of the program.
Prepare and/or bring:
- A laptop, if available, to access resources and curriculum documents and establish online learning links with other participants.
- Visit Step Outside: Nature’s Calendar to review the range of nature-related events that occur in Ontario throughout the year.
Facilitators: Stan Kozak and Pamela Gibson
For further program information contact:
Stan Kozak
519 826-0408
skozak@sentex.ca
