Resources for Outdoor Learning

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS

• https://www.outdoorplaycanada.ca/

• https://www.outdoorplaycanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/risk-benefit-assessment-for-outdoor-play-a-canadian-toolkit.pdf

• https://www.wildaboutvancouver.com

• https://www.outsideplay.ca/

CURRENT RESEARCH ARTICLES

• “Getting Dirty is Good for your Immune System“ – David Suzuki

• “Health Benefits of Playing Outdoors” – National Wildlife Federatio This website has links to scientific studies that discuss the many benefits of spending time in nature, including better eyesight and better standardized test scores!

• “Why Our Kids Need Play Now More Than Ever” – Sarah Goodyear

• Safe at home- guide to First aid and Safety for Kids – A great and simple resource for Children to give them some info on how to stay safe at home!

RECOMMENDED READING

The Last Child in the Woods

by Richard Louv, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill ©2005

Growing Up Wild – Exploring Nature with Young Children

by The Council For Environmental Education ©2009

Your Big Backyard

Children’s nature magazine published by the National Wildlife Federation

Nature Kindergartens and Forest School

by Claire Warden ©2012

Potential of a Puddle

by Clare Warden © 2012

Forest Kindergartens: The Cedarsong Way

by Erin K. Kenny © 2013

Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature

by Jon Young, Ellen Haas, & Evan McGown © 2010

Wilderness First Aid Basics
A Guide for Preparation, Basic First Aid and Survival

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

A Child’s Work – The Importance of Fantasy Play
by Vivian Gussin Paley ©2004

Place-Based Education
by David Sobel ©2004

Authentic Childhood: Experiencing Reggio Emilia in the Classroom
by Susan Fraser © 2011       

OUTDOOR PROGRAMS IN THE LOWER MAIN LAND

Alderwood House Preschool
An outdoor-based preschool in Richmond, BC.

Fireside Adventures
An outdoor-based adventure program for children youth and adults

Fresh Air Learning
A forest school for children aged 3-6, operating in the forests and urban farms of Vancouver and North Vancouver, BC. Offers weekend forest school teacher courses.

Maple Ridge Environmental School
Public school without walls in Maple Ridge, BC.

Soaring Eagle Nature School
Vancouver-based program for children aged 5 and up based on the techniques of coyote mentoring.

Vancouver Forest Nursery
A Parent group in Vancouver, BC that explores local gardens, parks, and beaches with very young children.

Windsor House School
A democratic, parent participation school based in North Vancouver, BC.

GEAR:

Good children’s gear can be hard to find.  At Saplings Outdoor Program we use Oakiwear gloves, rain jackets, and pants, mimiTENS mittens, KidORCA, MyMayu, Bogs, or Kamik boots, and Merino Wool and Hand Warmers from Hands on Heat, to keep our bodies warm. 

Gloves and Rainsuits

• Check out Saplings’s new Outdoor Store!

Mittens and Hand Warmers

• mimiTENS:  – Amazing Childrens mittens
• Hand Warmers: Hands on Heat Hand Warmers

Boots

• KidOrca Boots
• MyMayu Boots  

Woolly-Based Layers for Children

• Simply Merino– Merino Wool Base Layers
• Wee Woolies  – Merino Wool Base Layers 

If you need some more ideas or want to know more about the best gear out there for yourself and your children check out the links below: 

GearWeAre: Detailed reviews of outdoor gears.

Runnerclick: Reviews, tips, and news for running.