6 Learning Outcomes

The following list includes recommended learning outcomes that may be added to courses within the Early Childhood Education program of studies. Some may be applied as elements of performance (EoPs) or module learning outcomes.

Outdoor Play should be threaded through out the entirety of the diploma program to allow scaffolded learning opportunities.

• Plan for use of wilderness play environments.
• Compare and contrast the benefits and risks of nature play on child development.
• Differentiate between perceived risk and actual risk.
• Discuss the risks of a sedentary lifestyle.
• Identify positive health benefits of nature play.
• Investigate the impact of nature play on the mental health of young children.
• Investigate the impact of nature play on school readiness.
• Discuss the benefits of nature play on the development of children with a variety of developmental and special needs.
• Identify adaptive equipment needed to engage children with special needs in risk taking and nature play.
• Identify strategies to engage children with special needs in nature play.
• Describe the role of risky nature play in an inclusive curriculum.
• Examine opportunities for co-constructing curriculum through nature play.
• Identify safety considerations for supervision in wilderness and outdoor play environments.
• Conduct a risk assessment of an outdoor or wilderness play space.
• Engage adults and children in risk assessments when in natural/wilderness environments.
• Discuss liability and regulatory policies related to risk and wilderness play.
• Adhere to local laws and bylaws related to open flames and outdoor fires.
• Evaluate the human impact on the natural environment.
• Examine the role of the Early Childhood Educator in sustainability.
• Inspect local surroundings for hazards such as poisonous plant life.
• Identify local flora and fauna.
• Compare and contrast elements of woodland and forest school approaches with other curriculum approaches.
• Assemble outdoor equipment such as tents, tarps, & hammocks.
• Determine equipment needed for nature play and wilderness experiences.
• Design an outdoor nature play space, including visual markers for boundaries.