Responsive Inclusive Experience: Children

My field placement at the outdoor school has been, without a doubt, my favorite among all the childcare settings I've experienced. This setting holds a special place in my heart because it deeply resonates with my own childhood. Growing up in a time before the internet, the outdoors was the cornerstone of my play and where many of my most cherished memories were created. I vividly remember the pure joy of exploring loose parts and natural objects in my surroundings—simple yet profoundly meaningful moments that shaped my early years.

Sharing this raw, simple, yet deeply enjoyable way of learning and playing outdoors with the children has been a truly unforgettable experience. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that these moments not only create lasting core memories for the children but also support their holistic development during their formative years.

The images above illustrate my ability to design meaningful learning experiences that reflect an understanding of child development, as highlighted in “How Does Learning Happen?”. By offering opportunities such as reading under a tree and incorporating the maple seeds into the storytelling, these experiences challenge children to explore beyond what they already know and can do. This approach nurtures a sense of belonging, well-being, and connection to the natural world, aligning with the view that educators play a vital role in extending children's learning in meaningful ways (OMEd, 2014, p.17).

Figure 13. Reading outdoor. Photo taken by A. Libed

Figure 14. Children collecting maple seeds. Photo taken by A. Libed

Responsive Inclusive Experience: Family

Another most cherished activity that I participated in during my outdoor placement was the delightful process of gathering loose parts from nature to craft unique keepsakes. These treasures became beautiful tokens that the children could proudly share with their families. I found immense joy in both the creative journey and the final creations, as everyone—myself included—was fully engaged in this exciting endeavor, even in the face of dreary weather.

The experience of being outdoors, surrounded by fresh, invigorating air, provided an opportunity to explore our surroundings and learn at a relaxed, natural pace. This meaningful activity deeply resonated with my belief in the importance of fostering connections with nature in early childhood education. I am sincerely grateful for the chance to share this experience with the children and their families, creating lasting memories that celebrate our bond with the natural world.

The images above capture the profound joy we felt while crafting those mini frames, each uniquely beautiful in its own way. Designing purposeful, creative activities like this fuels my passion for being part of children’s lives, inspiring them to discover, create, and connect with the world around them.

Figure 15. Floor setup. Photo taken by A. Libed

Figure 16. Designed crafts. Photo taken by A. Libed