Description:

Back by popular demand!

This series was created to help educators navigate the outdoors and offering opportunities to engage with loose parts, explore in all weathers, and encourage opportunities for children to challenge themselves to take a risk. Throughout this series, participants will have an opportunity to reflect and share experiences, brainstorm and engage in group discussions, immerse themselves in hands-on experiences, identify connections to Ontario’s Early Learning Frameworks, and strategize how to weave their learning into their daily practice through action planning.

Session 1: Innovative Ways to Use Natural Loose Parts; Thursday May 9, 2024; 6:30-9:00pm
Loose parts can be found in our early learning environments and have grown in popularity over the last several years. Participants will develop an understanding of what natural loose parts are and learn about the importance of them in relation to children’s development and play experiences. As a group, participants will explore innovative ways to introduce and use natural loose parts in their environment in low cost/no cost ways.
*Presented in Person in Niagara (Meeting at ECCDC Conference Room, 3550 Schmon Parkway, Thorold and Walking to Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site)

Session 2: Outdoor Play Throughout the Year; Thursday May 30, 2024; 6:30-9:00pm
As Canadians, we are fortunate to have four distinct seasons in which to incorporate outdoor play throughout the year. In this session we will develop an understanding of outdoor play that can be shared with families and colleagues as well as highlight the benefits of outdoor play while using low cost/no cost strategies and materials that can be implemented into your program to support daily outdoor play. We will also look at global outdoor play trends as well as other related concepts that we can transition into our outdoor programs. Finally, we’ll review ECCDC’s Naturalized Play Space Project where the learning highlighted the importance of outdoor play in relation to children’s development and the play experiences offered throughout the seasons.
*Presented in Person in Niagara (Meeting at ECCDC Conference Room, 3550 Schmon Parkway, Thorold and Walking to Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site)

Session 3: Risky Play Throughout the Day; Thursday June 20, 2024; 6:30-9:00pm
Children’s play contains an element of risk, and this session looks at opportunities for risky play being woven into a child’s day. Participants will explore what risk is and develop an understanding of risky play. What would be the implications of risk-averse attitudes towards play? Participants will be encouraged to have an open dialogue to brainstorm the ‘why’ behind offering elements of risk and challenge for children. As a group, we’ll review and learn about the importance of risky play in relation to children’s development and play experiences using up-to-date theories, research documents, and frameworks as a way to increase educator knowledge and confidence.
*Presented in Person in Niagara (Meeting at ECCDC Conference Room, 3550 Schmon Parkway, Thorold and Walking to Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site)

Registration fee for Niagara Educators is subsidized through funding provided by Niagara Region Children's Services.

This registration includes all 3 in-person sessions.

Add Event to Cart