This was the launch date for the new At School Program, No Child Left Inside. This program, a result of a partnership between Kinark Outdoor Centre and the Children and Nature Network, is designed to get children outdoors and to support schools to spend time in natural surroundings.
Karen Jensen, the Grade 5/6 teacher at Pine Glen PS wanted to get students playing outside. She explained, “The advertisement came through from Kinark and there was a cost associated to it. But because I was the first person to write back, they asked if we wanted to be the pilot for it because this is a new program.” Two classes were involved in the pilot program today: the grade 5/6 and grade 6/7 classes.
One Kinark Outdoor Centre instructor expressed that with kids spending less time outside these days, they’re losing the connection with the forest and nature. If they don’t learn to appreciate and love the forest, they may not be motivated to protect it in the future. So it’s vitally important for kids to get reconnected with nature. For example, students played Decomposition Tag. Through a simple game of tag, students learned important messages: acid rain and soil acidity ends garden life and it’s happening because we’re causing damage to the earth. They also learned the important role decomposers, such as slugs, play in keeping garden life going.
It’s hoped that the curriculum linked games inspire teachers to think about new ways to teach, such as teaching a lesson about ecology and animals outdoors, rather than inside the classroom. According to studies collected from Kinark Outdoor Centre, being outdoors improves self-esteem, relationships with peers and a willingness to learn. Being in contact with nature also reduces symptoms of ADHD and improves critical thinking. For more details on the No Child Left Inside program, and the variety of games available, you contact Kinark Outdoor Centre (www.koc.on.ca) by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling at 1-800-805-8252.
