Outdoor Learning Conference 2026

What becomes possible when outdoor play is recognized as an essential part of early childhood?

In outdoor environments, children move, create, imagine, take risks, and build relationships using what the land provides. In the early years, play is how children learn, and outdoor spaces uniquely support physical health, emotional regulation, confidence, problem solving, and the development of sound judgment through real experiences in real places.

This hands-on outdoor session invites participants to engage directly with the landscape and notice what it already offers. Through guided exploration and small-group conversation, we will reflect on how space, natural materials, and reasonable challenges support children’s development and wellbeing.

We will also consider the role of the adult in stepping back with intention by observing, responding, and learning to trust children’s capabilities.

Together, we will explore outdoor play as a developmentally appropriate and professional practice rooted in place.

Join Frances to learn several classroom proven strategies for weaving the outdoors in to your literacy lessons. She will share exercises to support skill development with descriptive writing, figurative language and poetry. The exercises shared are modified exercises and lessons from author Lynda Barry (Drawn and Quarterly, author of What It Is?), Adrienne Gear (BC teacher and literacy expert), and various BC poets. Each exercise has the added benefit of building grounding skills, core routines and introducing participants to place based writing.


If you're looking for a workshop that will send you home with lessons to do with groups or students next week, you will appreciate this workshop. If you're looking to experience the exercises yourself and build nature writing skills, you will also appreciate this workshop.


 Each exercise is something that can be adjusted for most age groups. I have used them successfully with Kindergarten students through to adults.

Participants will receive teachings on the importance of protocol when harvesting from Mother Earth. Protocol can differ from nation to nation, area to area. When a teacher is wanting to create their own collection of Indigenous games, harvesting materials/supplies from Mother Earth will be necessary. This session will outline some basic teachings, then participants will be introduced to and play as many Indigenous games as time permits. Come prepared to be active and have lots of fun with your fellow colleagues!

This workshop explores how empathy and connection to place can transform eco-anxiety into empowered, hopeful action. Through the lens of a real local conservation project, participants will consider how hands-on stewardship experiences help students build emotional resilience and environmental understanding. Together, we’ll explore simple frameworks for creating small-scale conservation action projects that spark curiosity and collaboration across subjects. Educators will leave with ideas for weaving conservation themes into their classrooms, helping learners become not just informed about sustainability, but deeply engaged and compassionate change-makers.