Educational Outdoor Opportunities
May 19, 2020
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,
As part of the home learning packets we are also suggesting that parents take advantage of the nice outdoor weather and also look at the many educational outdoor activities that students and families can become involved in. The attachment has a list of many great educational outdoor opportunities and a great Yukon link to learn about Yukon Wildlife, keeping track of Yukon Bird Species along with a Yukon Wildlife Activity Book. All of these educational outdoor activities are supported and encouraged in the “Yukon Learning Continuity Requirements.” In that document it reads as follows, “The current situation provides opportunity for many families and caregivers to take time to be on the land, recognizing the value of land-based learning and experiencing the many teachings the land has to offer. Families and caregivers are encouraged to go on the land and teach skills such as packing and arranging gear; setting snares; chopping and splitting wood; building cooking fires; setting nets; harvesting; preparing and preserving traditional food; and other traditional or survival skills. This time can also be used to learn the traditions, language, values and skills of Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Ancestors. Families and caregivers are also encouraged to have their children bring other suggested materials assigned by their teachers out on the land with them so they can make connections between subject-based learning and land-based concepts.” There are many educational opportunities to explore beyond the four walls of the classroom
Many of our learning outcomes within the curriculum for each grade level expose students to learning opportunities on the land. Usually we take advantage of this season and the nature that surrounds us and we naturally shift from formal indoor learning to more learning on the land during the last month of school. For the final couple weeks of school, we encourage you to do the same. In addition to these educational benefits, spending time in nature provides a wide range of health benefits.
Where to Start?
Let your child’s curiosity direct his/her learning. For example, if your child expresses interest in butterflies, let them talk, draw, write about, research, and find butterflies. To find Watson Lake (and Yukon) wildlife guides, activity books, and more, visit:
www.yukon.ca/wildlife/en/wildlife-viewing
Below, you will find a list of more suggested ideas.
We look forward to your feedback through stories and pictures you can share with us through Facebook pictures and emailed pictures.
Thank you,
JES Staff
Suggested Activities
-Fishing
-Camping
-Hiking
-Biking
-Kite flying
-Traditional medicines
-Kayak/canoe/boating
-Bird watching
-Nature crafts (such as: collage, weaving, water painting, sculptures, boats)
-Campfires
-Forts
-Scavenger Hunts
-Swimming, when permitted
-Community Litter Cleanup
-Picnics
-Spring beaver camp
-Gardening (community or household)
-Photo Walks
-Tree/leaf rubbings
-Keep a nature journal
-Make bird or butterfly feeders
-Make a fairy garden
-Rock collecting/painting
-Lake dipping (use a clear bucket to scoop water from the lake)
-Cloud watching
-Make a rain gauge and track precipitation
-Write a poem or story or create an artwork about a favourite place
-Find animal tracks
-Build a maze or obstacle course
-See the JES Website and Teacher Websites for more suggestions and links.
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,
As part of the home learning packets we are also suggesting that parents take advantage of the nice outdoor weather and also look at the many educational outdoor activities that students and families can become involved in. The attachment has a list of many great educational outdoor opportunities and a great Yukon link to learn about Yukon Wildlife, keeping track of Yukon Bird Species along with a Yukon Wildlife Activity Book. All of these educational outdoor activities are supported and encouraged in the “Yukon Learning Continuity Requirements.” In that document it reads as follows, “The current situation provides opportunity for many families and caregivers to take time to be on the land, recognizing the value of land-based learning and experiencing the many teachings the land has to offer. Families and caregivers are encouraged to go on the land and teach skills such as packing and arranging gear; setting snares; chopping and splitting wood; building cooking fires; setting nets; harvesting; preparing and preserving traditional food; and other traditional or survival skills. This time can also be used to learn the traditions, language, values and skills of Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Ancestors. Families and caregivers are also encouraged to have their children bring other suggested materials assigned by their teachers out on the land with them so they can make connections between subject-based learning and land-based concepts.” There are many educational opportunities to explore beyond the four walls of the classroom
Many of our learning outcomes within the curriculum for each grade level expose students to learning opportunities on the land. Usually we take advantage of this season and the nature that surrounds us and we naturally shift from formal indoor learning to more learning on the land during the last month of school. For the final couple weeks of school, we encourage you to do the same. In addition to these educational benefits, spending time in nature provides a wide range of health benefits.
Where to Start?
Let your child’s curiosity direct his/her learning. For example, if your child expresses interest in butterflies, let them talk, draw, write about, research, and find butterflies. To find Watson Lake (and Yukon) wildlife guides, activity books, and more, visit:
www.yukon.ca/wildlife/en/wildlife-viewing
Below, you will find a list of more suggested ideas.
We look forward to your feedback through stories and pictures you can share with us through Facebook pictures and emailed pictures.
Thank you,
JES Staff
Suggested Activities
-Fishing
-Camping
-Hiking
-Biking
-Kite flying
-Traditional medicines
-Kayak/canoe/boating
-Bird watching
-Nature crafts (such as: collage, weaving, water painting, sculptures, boats)
-Campfires
-Forts
-Scavenger Hunts
-Swimming, when permitted
-Community Litter Cleanup
-Picnics
-Spring beaver camp
-Gardening (community or household)
-Photo Walks
-Tree/leaf rubbings
-Keep a nature journal
-Make bird or butterfly feeders
-Make a fairy garden
-Rock collecting/painting
-Lake dipping (use a clear bucket to scoop water from the lake)
-Cloud watching
-Make a rain gauge and track precipitation
-Write a poem or story or create an artwork about a favourite place
-Find animal tracks
-Build a maze or obstacle course
-See the JES Website and Teacher Websites for more suggestions and links.