Fields of Wonder
Outdoor Pedagogy for Engaged Learners
Online Virtual Conference – May 1st, 2025
Step into the Fields of Wonder!
Discover the transformative power of outdoor pedagogy at our upcoming conference, Fields of Wonder: Outdoor Pedagogy for Engaged Learners. Join educators, researchers, and advocates for early learning as we explore innovative ways to inspire curiosity, connection, and creativity through the wonders of being outdoors.
Dr. Karen Acton
Keynote Speaker
Planting Seeds of Change: Teaching Climate Change to Our Youngest Learners
Can young children understand climate change? Absolutely! This keynote challenges the misconception that climate change education is too complex for early learners. Instead, it highlights how thoughtful, age-appropriate approaches can foster curiosity, empathy, and action. Drawing from research, practical strategies, and her own experience, Dr. Karen Acton will share an effective framework for teaching climate change by nurturing a love for nature, encouraging sustainable behaviors, and integrating climate concepts authentically into everyday learning. Discover how to inspire hope and empower the youngest generation to care for and protect their world.
Session A
Dr. Holli-Anne Passmore
The “whys” and “ways” of the nature—well-being connection
These days, it seems to be common knowledge that connecting with nature is good us. Media stories and blogs abound prompting us to engage with the natural world. The outdoor school movement is growing, and doctors are writing nature prescriptions. But, is this just a “fad”? Or are there solid theories and evidence grounding this movement to re-connect us with the natural world? Come hear about theoretical frameworks explaining why connecting with nature is beneficial, and the ways in which deepening our connection to nature boosts our well-being and gain a deeper understanding of the rich and complex “whys” and “ways” that embracing the natural world is important for our well-being, and the well-being of nature herself.
Session B
Just Go the “Muck” Outside
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in” – Rachel Carson (1956/1998).
Through authentic personal experiences, learners develop and cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation of the natural world. A desire for environmental sustainability comes from personal connections with nature and community. This presentation will share the presenters’ experiences cultivating opportunities for ECE learners to recognize and cultivate pedagogical practices and ecological appreciation.
Tammie Hachey-Bell
Niki Stright
Linda Gould
Brenda O’Neill
Tara Swift
Session C & D
Bora Kim
Embracing the Whole Self in Outdoor Pedagogy
Engaging the whole self in outdoor pedagogy is essential for fostering deeper and more meaningful connections to the natural world. In this presentation, participants will explore how outdoor pedagogy can engage the “whole self” – incorporating the spiritual, emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of learners. Practical strategies, including the use of storybooks, will be explored and discussed.
Kat Kerns
Beyond the Mud Kitchen
Join Kat as she explores the benefits and evolving perspectives of messy play and mud kitchens in early childhood education. This presentation highlights the joy and developmental value of familiar, sensory-rich play while addressing emerging critiques around the limitations of kitchen-focused activities. By examining both viewpoints, Kat encourages educators to expand the possibilities of outdoor play, ensuring it remains joyful, meaningful, and open ended for all children.
Why attend?
→ Gain actionable insights from leading experts in outdoor learning.
→ Learn to create meaningful, culturally diverse outdoor experiences for children.
→ Engage in conversations with speakers and conference participants.
→ Connect with like-minded professionals.
→ Cultivate wonder, one step at a time!
Session E, F & G
Linda O’Donoghue
Slowing Down to Notice
Slow down to notice the wonders around you. How are you embracing a mindful approach to outdoor pedagogy, tuning into the small details that spark curiosity and deepen learning? Come explore what is meant by a slow pedagogy and its role in fostering play and learning in outdoor environments. Through reflective discussions and activities, participants will examine strategies for creating meaningful, place-based educational experiences.
Dr. Kelsey Robson
Taking Reggio OUTDOORS
In this interactive presentation, concepts of the Reggio Emilia principle, “the environment as the third teacher” will be examined in how they can be used to enhance and support outdoor learning environments. Participants will have the opportunity to design their ideal outdoor learning environment using Reggio concepts to reflect deeper about the materials and opportunities they provide in an outdoor learning context.
Turning Insights into Action – Learning from Evaluation Reports
Evaluation reports provide a roadmap for growth, offering valuable insights into program effectiveness, strengths, and areas for improvement. The presenters will share how external reviews conducted with program directors creating outdoor play learning hubs has contributed to professional learning opportunities, program planning, and communicating project impacts to stakeholders. Whether refining programs, supporting program directors, or strengthening community engagement, this session highlights how to turn evaluation reports into powerful drivers of continuous improvement.
Cyndi Frizelle
Jenny Britt
Sasha Patterson
Session H & I
Dr. Dean Kriellaars
Physical literacy for holistic development of children and youth
Physical literacy can be a very useful concept for helping children and youth find their movement voice and identity in society. Children strongly value movement in key social contexts; at school, with family and with friends. This places movement as a key agent in the development of psychological, social, and creative competencies. Come explore how the application of physical literacy can create positive movement experiences for children of all abilities and interests.
Laurence Assouline
Benefit of Education Outdoors
The COVID Years forced me to rethink the school organization as we were encouraged to teach outdoors. A professional learning experience for teachers at our school focused on the why children learning outdoors is so important for them and educators. This presentation gave me a new perspective on the benefit of Education Outdoors as an educator and as an administrator. In this presentation, I will share my story and our journey.
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