Post #6
“Take Me Outside Day” is an initiative in Canada, aimed at encouraging students and their families to spend time outdoors. This year it is on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. It promotes outdoor education and activities, emphasizing the importance of nature in children’s learning and well-being. Many schools participate by organizing outdoor lessons, hikes, or nature-related projects, fostering a connection with the environment. Our Technology class did our In-situ at Elizabeth Lake, with students from Gordon Terrace. We got to spend time outdoors for both physical and mental health, as well as learning.
Integrating outdoor experiences into education can enrich learning which can contribute to a holistic development for students. Connecting with the outside around us, can support our understanding of the world. Being in nature helps students develop an appreciation for the environment. Nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. If you do not agree, try getting outside and just sitting in a quiet place, and connect with your surroundings. It will lower your heart rate, help you to take deep breaths, and focus. Outdoor activities can encourage teamwork and communication among students and teachers.
Going outdoors and learning about nature and the connection we have to the land, is what I want for my future classroom. I can connect these with many subjects in the curriculum. Outdoor settings can inspire creativity and curiosity in many different school subjects, such as in science, a place to create English writing prompts, and inspirations for Art.
The outdoors is deeply significant for Indigenous Peoples, connecting on cultural, spiritual, and practical dimensions. It is tied to their identity and heritage, with landscapes, plants, and animals holding sacred meaning. The outdoors in nature, play an important role in Indigenous worldviews and ways of life.