Seedlings Forest Education was created out of a knowing that some children need and crave more movement than others. For some, starting their day in the fresh air is the best way to bring them success.
The call for outdoor learning opportunities is gaining momentum across the province from parents, guardians, teachers and students alike – and for good reason.
Nature education, particularly outdoor learning, has many long-term benefits for children. Time outside reduces stress, promotes physical activity, fosters teamwork and leadership abilities, inspires creative thinking, and allows kids to form connections to local places, plants and animals – just to name a few.
Sometimes people ask us what Forest Education is: Here is what we share.
We define Forest Education at Seedlings as an educational ethos and practice that centres the Land and the child-at-play. Children and educators build a relationship with the Land through regular and repeated access to the same outdoor space over an extended period of time. Educators support learning through a pedagogical framework that is rooted in place and play, directed and inspired by the child (emergent curriculum), and driven by a process of inquiry.
The call for outdoor learning opportunities is gaining momentum across the province from parents, guardians, teachers and students alike – and for good reason.
Nature education, particularly outdoor learning, has many long-term benefits for children. Time outside reduces stress, promotes physical activity, fosters teamwork and leadership abilities, inspires creative thinking, and allows kids to form connections to local places, plants and animals – just to name a few.
Sometimes people ask us what Forest Education is: Here is what we share.
We define Forest Education at Seedlings as an educational ethos and practice that centres the Land and the child-at-play. Children and educators build a relationship with the Land through regular and repeated access to the same outdoor space over an extended period of time. Educators support learning through a pedagogical framework that is rooted in place and play, directed and inspired by the child (emergent curriculum), and driven by a process of inquiry.
We acknowledge with respect the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territory the Seedlings Programs run, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
There is a teaching in every part of creation. It is our task to find it, learn it, and apply it. -
late elder Ken Goodwill (First Nations University of Canada, n.d.)
I’m a girl with a passion for the outdoors and education
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Living my whole life on the west coast of Vancouver Island, right on the edge of beautiful forests and oceans, has gifted me with an unbounded love for nature. Playing outside, getting muddy, finding creatures and breathing in the fresh air has been an integral part of my life, and I consider it a privilege to be in a position where I can support these experiences for children and their families!
I’m Laura. A lover of the ocean, educator of the forest and teacher of the mountains. I look forward to meeting your kiddo and sharing in the exploration of Nature together. I founded Seedlings Forest Education to help get more kids outside. I believe in all the gifts that Mother Nature has to offer and building a connection with our roots. |
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Teaching in Nature"Laura embodies the future of teaching. With a forward-thinking vision, she has an inspiring dream to celebrate inclusion and diversity, not only within the classroom, but the larger community as well.
Through creativity, body movement and wellness, Laura offers a fresh and unique approach to learning. With unconditional kindness, patience and mindfulness, Laura often connects to the populations that go unseen by the majority; she truly believes in building safer spaces. In my time with Laura, she has taught me the beauty of self-expression and to be my authentic self." - Hadley (co-worker & friend) |