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A Unique Outdoor Learning Experience
A Unique Outdoor Learning Experience
Explor’A offers a limited number of spots for students interested in the Nature Classroom option. The Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) is the first francophone school board in Ontario to offer the Nature Classroom to Kindergarten students in collaboration with Andrew Fleck Children’s Services (AFCS), an accredited partner.
Children enrolled in the Nature Classroom option will have access, once a week, to a unique learning experience offered in the forest or in nature. Each class will be taught by a CECCE teacher as well as an early childhood educator, assisted by two qualified practitioners from the Andrew Fleck School of Child Care’s Forest School. Groups will consist of up to 29 little eco-citizen explorers, meaning the ratio will be one adult for every seven children.
CECCE staff will also be trained by the Child & Nature Alliance of Canada to become nationally certified as Qualified Forest Practitioners by the Canada School of Forestry.
The Advantages of Learning in Nature
The Advantages of Learning in Nature
Play-based and child-centred learning
Beneficial and soothing effects of nature on mental health
Transforming the learning experience: hikes, excursions, and sensory experiences
Stimulating, natural and seasonally adapted learning environment
Holistic approach focusing on motor skills, creativity, independence, social skills and more
Raising children’s awareness of the importance of preserving the environment and deepening their knowledge of nature
Improves and/or maintains physical health
Supporting the child in developing his or her problem-solving skills
Opportunity for the student to take calculated risks and push his or her own limits in a safe environment
“Today at school, I built a cabin, climbed trees and discovered multiple kinds of birds on the trails.
“Today at school, I built a cabin, climbed trees and discovered multiple kinds of birds on the trails.
We even made a small campfire.”
We even made a small campfire.”
A Typical Day
A Typical Day
Welcoming children and free play depending on the season;
Early morning gathering with a story reading, a conversation to explore the children’s interests and creating a plan for the day with them;
Game or activity in nature (observed by teaching staff);
Breaks at opportune times for lunch, warm-up or gathering to help and extend the game;
Gathering to review the experiences and learnings of the day;
Sharing highlights of the day with parents/guardians.
Locations of Nature Classrooms
Ottawa West
Ottawa West
An initial partnership was developed with Andrew Fleck Children’s Services (AFCS) and their Ottawa Forest School, which has built a great reputation locally for offering nature classes on the beautiful grounds of Wesley Clover Park.
Ottawa Centre and East
Ottawa Centre and East
(To be announced)
(To be announced)
The administration will soon unveil the sites selected for the Nature Classrooms offered in the central and eastern areas of Ottawa.
Stay tuned! The information will be added here in due time.
Outside Ottawa
Outside Ottawa
Families living outside of Ottawa who are interested in the Nature Classroom option are invited to let us know by completing this expression of interest form. We will contact you if the demand is high enough to implement this program in your area.
NB It is important to note that parents are responsible for providing transportation for their child on Nature Classroom days.
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