The Conservation Council of New Brunswick’s Learning Outside project’s mission is to encourage and support teachers in taking their students and curriculum outside to enjoy all the well-documented benefits of outdoor learning. We want outdoor learning to be integrated into the day-to-day school experience of all New Brunswick’s students and teachers.
Thus, we are excited to support the New Brunswick Environmental Network in the promotion of its September 20, 2022 publication: “Giving our Children an Experiential Edge: A Discussion Paper on Outdoor Learning in New Brunswick” regarding the benefits of learning outdoors. Read the discussion paper in English here, and in French here. The paper incorporates published research on the benefits of outdoor learning as well as feedback and insight from more than 50 educators around the province.
There is no question that learning outdoors leads to greater physical, mental, emotional well-being and improved academic outcomes. Teaching and learning outdoors also clearly align with and support the goals of the NB Department of Education and the province’s goals for education reform and improvement. Now is the time to make outdoor learning accessible for all New Brunswick teachers and students. We can do this!
The Discussion Paper recommends a period of five years in which schools incrementally work toward a standard of at least 10 hours per week spent learning outdoors, which will lead to better learning outcomes, improved physical and mental health, and a stronger connection to the environment. Licensed Early Childhood Education facilities are mandated to have 2 hours of outdoor time daily; we support the extension of the benefits of this outdoor time to students of all ages.
Teachers and educators will need resources, support and access to professional learning opportunities. New Brunswick is fortunate to have a broad network of education specialists, outdoor/nature educators and teachers who are ready and willing to assist this transition to mandated outdoor learning. The collaborative Great Minds Think Outside program (of which Learning Outside is a founding member) has already provided hands-on, outdoor, experiential professional learning sessions for dozens of schools and hundreds of teachers. We are ready and able to help New Brunswick’s education system take this important step towards outdoor learning and improved outcomes all round.
Learning Outside will continue its work helping teachers take the leap to making outdoor learning an important part of the school day.
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