The Value of Forest Education in the Early Years – In-Person Workshop

Children today are spending more and more time on screens, both in academic and leisure activities leaving them disconnected from themselves and nature. We seek to support the growth of the whole child but how can this be achieved when academic fluency is the only focus? Are we helping to educate the next generation to be creative, imaginative, inquisitive and inclusive? Forest Education is not a new concept but one that has not received enough understanding and discussion in North America. This workshop will explore and explain in-depth the core values of connecting with nature and how this connection will lead to a child who is more self-aware and self-confident. By establishing these core needs, academic milestones will be achieved more easily and with an inner-desire to learn. Join us as we work together to let the forest be our guide and teach us how outdoor education is the way of the future.

SUITABLE FOR ALL EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE PROFESSIONALS

Presenters: Erin McDougall & Brittney Hennessey

Erin has been an early childhood educator for nearly 20 years with extensive experience working with children from infancy to age six. She has managed and operated daycares and pre-schools as well as worked in the Independent School System for almost a decade as an Educational Assistant. Connecting children to nature and themselves is her passion and she seeks to support all children to develop a love for learning, creativity and to be inquisitive as they explore, play and grow.

Brittney has spent most of her career as an early childhood educator with the YMCA, operating their early emergent program for children aged 3-5 for 10 years. She is well versed in inquiry-based curriculum and has married that experience with her love of the outdoors. She seeks to include children of all abilities and skill levels to have an opportunity to experience a forest space and allow the outdoors to guide their learning.