Outdoor Learning Conference 2026

"This workshop demonstrates how children’s literature can prepare students for meaningful outdoor science learning. Using A Day With Yayah, participants will explore how Indigenous perspectives build understanding of local ecosystems and respectful foraging practices. Attendees will then work in groups to locate and identify native plants, mirroring an inquiry experience students can use in their own communities.
After sharing observations, we will shift to A Peek at Beaks to explore structure and function. Participants will design simple “beak tools” to gather model seeds, highlighting how adaptations support survival. The session models how literacy, Indigenous knowledge, and hands-on outdoor investigations can work together to deepen learning. Educators will leave with practical strategies for connecting books, science, and land-based experiences in the classroom."