Early learning and childcare instructor takes learning outside
Improving physical and mental health while cultivating a connection to the land are all benefits to outdoor learning that have inspired a Medicine Hat College (MHC) instructor to take classes outside this semester.
MHC early learning and childcare (ELCC) instructor, Jennifer Usher, is a collaborator in a pan-Canadian research project led by Okanagan College’s Dr. Beverlie Dietze. The Outdoor Pedagogy ECE Faculty Research Project explores the benefits of outdoor learning and Usher is implementing techniques in the classroom for her students.
“We know how important outdoor play is for children, but a lot of children are not getting enough time outdoors. When they're in an early learning program, we really want to see them outdoors as much as possible,” Usher explains.
Encouraging her ELCC students to take activities outside when they work in their own classrooms and day homes, Usher believes it establishes values of sustainability in kids as they grow up.
“There is research that talks about connecting children to nature and the impact it can make to the future,” says Usher, adding children with a personal connection to the outdoors are raised to be citizens who care about nature.
In action, ELCC students currently taking Usher’s music and movement course have already been exposed to outdoor learning techniques, while exploring how to educate young children about Indigenous culture. During the winter semester, Usher brought in representatives from Miywasin Friendship Centre, who taught students traditional Indigenous games and played drums, all while housed in a tipi outside of the college.
“It was a powerful day for my students and me. The classes felt very different from the classroom environment and I personally felt much more connected to the students. There was a strong feeling of acceptance and community in the tipi.”
The research has also led Usher to create a new course for the ELCC program, which will be offered in September 2024. She will be collaborating with Chasity Cairns, manager of Indigenous Engagement & Student Supports at MHC, incorporating Indigenous education and traditions into the course.
For those interested in learning more about the benefits of outdoor learning, Usher will be presenting at a free virtual conference on May 10, 2023. To register, please visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/learning-and-applied-research/ece-conference by May 8.