Outdoor play is an essential component of children’s lives
Exploring Nature With Children
Getting back to nature and incorporating elements of our natural world is an emerging topic in early childhood education. Outdoor play is an essential component of children’s lives. The adults who surround them have a huge influence on how children connect to nature and express their desire to engage in active outdoor play.
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Toxic Plant List
The following plants may cause toxic symptoms when ingested or dermatitis when handled. In addition to toxic plants, be aware that plants treated with pesticides, insecticides or herbicides are toxic.
Learn from Canadian experts and outdoor play advocates about how outdoor play is important to quality early learning and child care. Click on the links below to access the two free webinars co-hosted by the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada (CNAC) and the Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF).
Learn from Canadian child care experts and outdoor play advocates about how outdoor play–and risky play–is important to quality early learning and child care. Panelists include:
- Marlene Power, Executive Director, Child & Nature Alliance of Canada
- Kim Hiscott, Executive Director of Andrew Fleck Children’s Services in Ottawa
- Debra Hardwood, Brock University
- Louise Zimanyi, Professor, Early Childhood Education, Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Learn from Canadian child care experts and outdoor play advocates about how outdoor play–and risky play–is important to quality early learning and child care. Panelists include:
- Marlene Power, Executive Director, Child & Nature Alliance of Canada
- Mike Lough, FCIP, CRM, Vice President, Specialty Programs & Associations, Frank Cowan Company
- Mariana Brussoni, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit, The University of British Columbia
Enjoy Some Of Our Past Content On Exploring Nature with Children
1. Children at Play in the Great Outdoors
Children of all ages love to be outside. Here are some simple activities that children can choose and enjoy when outdoors. Download the copy here.
2. When Jack Frost Comes Nipping
As a parent or caregiver, make sure the child dresses in warm layers for winter activities. Download the copy here.
3. Sunshine – Approach with Caution
Parents and child care providers need to be cautious about exposing children – and themselves – to the sun. Download the copy here.
4. Exploring Nature with Children
Children who participate in activities with an environmental theme, will more likely develop a strong appreciation of the environment. Download the copy here.
5. Outdoor Play Environments
A natural or traditional outdoor play space should be open and large enough for children to run, roll, skip, ride, climb, jump, sit and even daydream. Download the copy here.
6. Growing a “Green” Garden Organic Gardening in a Child Care Setting
Children and organic gardening are meant for each other. Download the copy here.
