Growth in Kinder"Garden" - The Integration of Outdoor Education into the Ontario Kindergarten Program

Abstract

This academic article examines the integration of outdoor education, specifically the incorporation of school gardens, into the Ontario kindergarten program with the aim of promoting the comprehensive development of young learners. The author, a dedicated kindergarten teacher with a passion for outdoor activities, shares insights gained from a year-long practice of taking students outside daily, fostering a profound connection with nature. The article explores the positive effects of an outdoor learning environment on various aspects, including social-emotional development, sensory play, and academic engagement.The author underscores the transformative influence of school gardens, recounting the process of establishing nine gardens that not only contributed to academic advancement but also instilled principles of eco-responsibility and sustainable stewardship. The article provides a detailed account of the outdoor learning environment's characteristics, encompassing natural colors, diverse seating options, as well as the presence and relationships with non-human entities.Moreover, the article addresses the contemporary shift in kindergarten education, highlighting the departure from exploration and play toward a more academically focused paradigm. It advocates for a return to the foundational concept of kindergarten as a children's garden, as conceptualized by Friedrich Froebel, presenting evidence of how outdoor education can harmoniously align with academic as well as age appropriate developmental objectives.Practical initiatives, such as composting projects and tree planting, are expounded upon as examples of how kindergarteners can actively participate in eco-friendly practices within the school community. The article accentuates the underestimated capabilities of young children, citing instances of successful school-wide initiatives led by kindergarteners, culminating in the attainment of the platinum eco-school certification. The significance lies in the transformative influence of school gardens, fostering not only academic advancement but also principles of eco-responsibility and sustainable stewardship.The author shares personal insights derived from the gardening journey, spanning from horticultural knowledge and problem-solving skills to intergenerational relationships and community engagement. The article concludes by reflecting on the enduring impact of the school gardens, asserting that the roots and shoots cultivated in this outdoor environment have provided invaluable learning experiences for both the students and the community.

Keywords: Eco-responsiveness, Holistic development, Kindergarten, Outdoor education, Place-based education, School gardens.

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-35-04

Publication date: December 31^st 2023