Nature-Based Learning Philosophy Statement

“My philosophy is: if you can’t have fun, there’s no sense in doing it” ~Paul Walker

View of the Child

I believe in the perspective of Loris Malaguzzi that every child is competent, capable, curious and rich in potential.  I value the role of nature-based learning to encourage competence, capability, and curiosity.  I believe nature-based learning demonstrates children’s true potential and it is critical to share this potential with families, children, and the larger community.

I believe every child deserves access to stimulating outdoor environments that will illustrate their potential by allowing them to take risks, construct, engage with natural loose parts, and collaborate with peers and adults.

I believe every child has the right to engage in outdoor play every day in their schools, child care settings, and at home.

I believe it is every child’s right to develop an ecological identity and connection with the earth through opportunities to explore and engage with nature.

Photograph Retrieved frrom https://pixabay.com/en/child-colors-nepal-india-tradition-3194977/

The Role of Professionals

I believe adults and professionals role is as co-learners with children and they should incorporate the philosophy of play workers to facilitate the natural course of play which leads to wonderment, discovery and learning in meaningful contexts.

I believe it is the role of professionals and adults to support children to develop an ecological identity through sharing honest and positive views about the natural world.

I believe professionals should include and consult children in decision making about nature-based early learning.

I believe professionals must remain up to date on current research involving the benefits of nature-based early learning on children’s development and mental and physical well-being.  This provides a crucial foundation that supports children to be contributing members of society.

I believe professionals should advocate for children to receive the best start to life which includes quality nature-based early learning programs.

Guiding Theorists

I value the Reggio Emilia approach and the belief that children communicate through 100 languages and I believe each of the child’s languages can be expressed in indoor and outdoor environments.

I believe professionals work to scaffold children’s development meaningfully and appropriately within their zone of proximal development following the theory of Lev Vygotsky.  I believe Vygotsky’s theory of scaffolding is best done outdoors as children discover the world around them and engage with materials that can be manipulated appropriately to meet their developmental needs.

Loris Malaguzzi. Photograph Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/en/child-colors-nepal-india-tradition-3194977/

Photograph Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/en/child-colors-nepal-india-tradition-3194977/

My Role

I believe it is my job as a professional to guide children to develop a love for life long learning and support the development of an ecological identity that will support the future generation to take responsibility for the natural world.