ECED& 137 - Outdoor Learning for Young Children

Credits: 3
An exploration of nature-based, outdoor learning experiences for all young children. Students will identify the benefits of outdoor learning for children, learn about the teacher’s role in supporting learning in the outdoor learning environment, consider adult comfort levels with outdoor experiences, and examine risk-taking as a part of learning.

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Describe the benefits of outdoor learning environments (OLE) for all children birth-8 years, including disabilities and recognize the OLE as a place where development is encouraged.
Explain the benefits of OLE and how OLE can positively impact children as well as practice conversational skills to advocate for OLE to parents and administrators.
Create a plan for an OLE that supports all children’s learning.
Identify and practice teaching strategies that can be used in the OLE.
Explore and describe personal comfort level with outdoor experiences and risk-taking and describe the value of risk-taking as it pertains to children’s learning and development.
Demonstrate strategies for supporting children’s risk-taking and learning in the outdoor learning environment.

Program Outcomes

Use developmental milestones and observations of children’s behavior as a foundation for planning appropriate activities.
Advocate for strategies that promote the cultural diversity of children, families and their communities.
Demonstrate effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication.
Discuss current issues and trends in early childhood education.
Identify typical and atypical growth and development (cognitive, linguistic, motor, and social).
Positively support children’s whole development.
Display a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the job.
Develop rapport and contribute to the work environment as a member of the instructional team.
Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct.
Comply with laws (such as IDEA, Section 504, ADA), workplace policies, and procedures in relation to confidentiality, reporting of abuse, discipline, chain of command and delegation and supervision.

College-wide Outcomes

Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.