Introduction

The best choice we’ve made as educators thus far in our careers is challenging educational norms to help children rebuild a healthy relationship with Mother Earth. Outdoor education goes far beyond the teaching of a curriculum to fixed specific criteria and standards. In their time outdoors, children have the

opportunity to develop a sense of self and community by connecting to culture, nature and language. All of this is experienced in a free and dynamic space. This space also allows teachers and children to reconnect with their language. Indigenous languages are known to be musical and deeply connected with the natural world. The child’s language learning comes with much ease and more quickly when in an outdoor setting. In the language immersion version of our outdoors program, children learn through discovery, dance, play, storytelling and song, all in their language. Language acquisition with First Nations children revolves around them being able to express themselves freely with the

wonders of nature. The natural being of a child is fostered and supported through curiosity, imagination, creativity, and above all the freedom to move and be loud! In our program, we focus on the process of learning, not the outcome. This ensures all children feel successful, supported, and proud.