Eco Educators' Night

More teachers are wondering how to create outdoor learning opportunities for students.  The Langley School District decided to host a series of three Eco Educators' nights where teachers and support staff, ECE preschool teachers, members of the Kwantlen and Katzie First Nations and other community members come together to discuss ways build outdoor learning for children.  Langley partnered with Metro Vancouver Regional Parks to create these evenings where participants could share resources and ideas as well as make connections with others.  We scheduled each session to take place at a different regional park to help feature the wonderful learning spaces Langley has to offer.
Our first night brought 40 participants together.  The Langley School District featured bins available for sign out through their Media Centre for classroom teachers.  Different bins include: ropes, pulleys, tarps, outdoor kitchen supplies, tools that support writing, waterproof iPad covers, compasses, shovels etc...  Metro Vancouver also featured outdoor learning benefits, supports and resources available. As well, we were guided through some easy to do activities like making nature perfume and finding sit spots. It was a positive evening that made us look forward to the next opportunity to get together again.  Potential themes for future sessions include Outdoor Education and the New Curriculum and Place Based Education.