Workshops & Webinars
We are pleased to offer the following workshops, courses & events in partnership with our members and partners.
Invasive Species Education and Action
Tues, April 23, 4 pm Pacific / 7 pm Eastern
With Educators Jennifer Hegan and Stephanie Weinstein
Join Invasive Species Education Facilitators to gain a better understanding of invasive species, their impacts, and how students of all ages can make a difference. This is the opportunity to see new outdoor focused invasive species education resources that touch on multiple aspects of curriculum. You will gain fresh ideas, tips, and tools for inspiring learners to be aware of local biodiversity, to develop deeper connections with nature, and to become stewards of special places.
Access amazing invasive species resources:
- Teaching about Invasive Species
- Invasive Animals & Plants of North America
- Invasive Species Teaching Kit – coming soon!
Developing a Sense of Place by Sparking Curiosity and Wonder
Tues, April 30, 4 pm Pacific / 7 pm Eastern
Developing a Sense of Place by Sparking Curiosity and Wonder
Join our three fantastic educators and authors of ‘A Walking Curriculum for the Early Years’ for a beautiful walk into early years education that sparks curiosity and wonder. They will share their new innovative, interdisciplinary resource designed specifically for Early Years Educators that outlines an imaginative and ecological approach to taking student learning outside school walls.
Spark your own sense of wonder:
- A Walking Curriculum for the Early Years
- A Walking Curriculum (for all ages!)
- Engaging Imagination in Ecological Education: Practical Strategies for Teaching
- Playing in the Muck and Other Art Activities: Imaginative Art Activities for The Walking Curriculum
- Resource Set: Engaging Imagination & Evoking Wonder
Recursos en español para aprender al aire libre
Tues, May 21, 4 pm Pacific / 7 pm Eastern
Con las educadoras Sofia Shanahan y Mercedes Bosch Toca
Únase a nosotros para conocer las oportunidades de aprendizaje al aire libre, todas ellas a poca distancia de su lugar de residencia o de su centro de estudios. Exploremos un plan de estudios para maestros de educación primaria enfocado en la relación entre el plástico, nuestras acciones diarias y el oceáno. A través de recursos innovadores e interdisciplinarios, los estudiantes podrán tomar acciones positivas para reducir el uso de plásticos en su vida diaria.
Todos los inscritos podrán ganar fantásticos premios. Tras el taller, recibirás un código de descuento para acceder a los recursos compartidos, a la grabación y a un enlace para acceder a tu certificado de asistencia.
Using Sit Spots and your Senses to Connect with Nature
Tues, May 28, 4 pm Pacific / 7 pm Eastern
With Educator, Author, and Consultant, Lauren MacLean
Join us for an interactive workshop that delves into the world of sit spots and sensory wakeups and their significance in fostering a deeper connection with nature. Designed around the book “Me and My Sit Spot,” this engaging session will equip educators and nature enthusiasts with practical approaches to introduce and incorporate sit spots into their outdoor learning. Through the sit spot routine, we will also investigate how we can develop observational skills, mindfulness, reflection, and overall well-being.
Settle in to your own sit spot to read:
Métis Learning for the Summer Solstice
Tues, June 4, 4 pm Pacific / 7 pm Eastern
With Artist and Author Leah Marie Dorion
Jump into summer and join Métis artist Leah Marie Dorion as she shares stories and connection to the Land and Summer Solstice from her books. She will discuss her art and illustrations and how to celebrate summer cycles from a Metis point of view. You will have the opportunity to participate in a live art class with Leah and ask questions about Métis culture and outdoor learning. Leah Marie Dorion is a Métis artist, author, curriculum developer, lecturer and researcher. She has taught Métis History and Native Studies for the First Nations University of Canada, the Gabriel Dumont Institute and the University of Saskatchewan. She is a professional visual artist and former instructor at the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program. Her artwork celebrates the strength and resilience of Indigenous women and families. Learn about magnificent Métis culture through Leah’s engaging artistry and stories:
Ktunaxa Nature Walk: Alfred Joseph’s Walkabout – Launch Party!
Tues, June 18, 4 pm Pacific
With Author and Ktunaxa Elder Alfred Joseph
Author Alfred Joseph is a highly respected Ktunaxa Elder and past chief of the Akisqnuk Nation. He is an expert in Ktunaxa language and knowledge and an immensely passionate, dedicated and talented educator. He was a student at St Eugene’s Residential School and graduated from Olds Agricultural College. He has a farm with hay production and farm animals, and a Trail Riding operation for 25 years, ending in 2000. He is very knowledgeable about and utilizes all aspects of Ktunaxa Culture. He teaches Ktunaxa Language and is very involved with sharing Ktunaxa Traditional Knowledge and encouraging implementation into Ktunaxa Nation Council Programs and Policy. Join us for a short and sweet launch party to learn from the author about this exciting new Outdoor Learning resource ‘Ktunaxa Nature Walk: Alfred Joseph’s Walkabout’ https://outdoorlearningstore.
This “Walkabout” book came from the idea to create interest in looking at the outside environment through the lens of the Ktunaxa language. It features 150 Ktunaxa words/phrases, with associated picture/descriptions, and each with their own QR code which takes you to an audio recording of Alfred saying this word/phrase. There will be language and connection to the Land shared, plenty of prizes, and time for Q&A with the author!
Connecting to the Land, the Métis Way
July 8 – 29, 2024, 4pm Pacific / 7 pm Eastern
With Leah Marie Dorian
Join Leah Marie Dorian to dive into excellent learning resources for kids to explore Métis knowledge, culture and history connected to the land. Resources include translations into Michif, and offers incredibly vibrant illustrations giving insight into Métis life.
Session Dates:
- Monday, July 8 – 7pm Eastern Time / 4pm Pacific Time
- Monday, July 15 – 7pm Eastern Time / 4pm Pacific Time
- Monday, July 22 – 7pm Eastern Time / 4pm Pacific Time
- Monday July 29 – 7pm Eastern Time / 4pm Pacific Time
Registrants will receive:
- Access to 4 live 60-minute virtual sessions
- Links to the recordings of all sessions (available for up to 3 months after)
- A Certificate of Completion (4 Learning Hours)
- A 10% discount code to access Outdoor Learning Resources, including the book bundle, Métis ‘Connecting to the Land’.
Your Facilitators:
Leah Marie Dorian is a Métis artist, author, curriculum developer, lecturer and researcher. She has taught Métis History and Native Studies for the First Nations University of Canada, the Gabriel Dumont Institute and the University of Saskatchewan. She is also a visual artist and an instructor at the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program.
Jade Berrill is a Physical Geographer (BSc), Environmental Educator, Outdoor Instructor and Guide. She is the Director of Learning for the The Outdoor Learning Store, and has been designing & delivering environmental and nature based programs for over fifteen years, across four continents and seven countries.
Course Recommended Resource:
Métis ‘Connecting to the Land’ Book Bundle by Leah Marie Dorian. Upon registration you will receive a 10% discount code towards helping access Outdoor Learning Resources, including this book.
Other Métis Resources:
- Medicines to Help Us: Traditional Métis Plant Use
- Medicines to Help Us Kit
- We Learn from the Sun Teaching Package
Group / Organization Registration:
We offer 10% off for groups of 10 or more who register together. You can use this discount code at checkout: UTWRQCTY
Naturally Inclusive – Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors
October 21 – November 18, 2024, 4pm Pacific / 7 pm Eastern
With Dr. Ruth Wilson & Karen Lai
Drawing on her knowledge of research and her decades of work with children in nature, join Ruth as she weaves together advice, real-life examples, and testimonies from educators and families on the healing, nurturing power of nature in the lives of young children with diverse abilities.
Joining us too is Karen Lai, Accessibility and Inclusion Specialist who will share expertise and her lived experience perspective on what it means to truly offer inclusive programming.
Session Dates & Themes:
- Accessibility and Inclusion in the Outdoors: Monday, October 21 – 7pm Eastern Time / 4pm Pacific Time
- Welcoming Spaces and Places: Monday, October 28 – 7pm Eastern Time / 4pm Pacific Time
- Equal Opportunities: Monday, November 4 – 7pm Eastern Time / 4pm Pacific Time
- Envisioning a More Inclusive Future: Monday November 18 – 7pm Eastern Time / 4pm Pacific Time
Registrants will receive:
- Access to 4 live 60-minute virtual sessions
- Links to the recordings of all sessions (available for up to 3 months after)
- A Certificate of Completion (4 Learning Hours)
- A 10% discount code to access Outdoor Learning Resources, including the book, Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of all Abilities Outdoors.
Your Facilitators:
Dr. Ruth Wilson works as an educational consultant and curriculum writer with special expertise in the area of early childhood environmental education and other initiatives in connecting young children with nature. Dr. Wilson’s career includes working as a classroom teacher in both regular and special education settings and with Sesame Street in designing nature education programs.
Karen Lai is an Experienced Consultant in Accessibility and Inclusion, particularly focusing on individuals with disabilities. She leads honest and authentic conversations about inclusion by instilling a sense of curiosity, thus shifting the culture of inclusion.
Course Recommended Resource:
Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of all Abilities Outdoors by Ruth Wilson, PhD. Upon registration you will receive a 10% discount code towards helping access Outdoor Learning Resources, including this book.
Group / Organization Registration:
We offer 10% off for groups of 10 or more who register together. You can use this discount code at checkout: UTWRQCTY
Outdoor Learning Certification Program
30 hours, self-paced – start at any time
Learn how to integrate the outdoors into your teaching practice using effective strategies and resources in this interactive online course for K-12 educators.
The course includes:
- 30 hrs of Self-paced Learning through 10 Online Learning Modules
- 3 Live Workshops (recorded if you can’t make it live)
- Hands-on activities for you and your class as you learn
- Outdoor Learning Certificate (upon completion)
- $10 CAD Coupon for the Outdoor Learning Store
- Discounts at the Take Me Outside Store