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In this episode, Derek and Chris talk with Andrew Knorr and Denee Beauchamp, two elementary teachers from Saskatoon who are embracing outdoor learning as a way to spark curiosity, strengthen relationships, and re-energize both students and teachers. Through stories of fire building, snowshoe design challenges, puddle exploration, inquiry projects, and outdoor games, Andrew and Denee share how simple experiences outside the classroom can create powerful opportunities for engagement, teamwork, perseverance, and belonging.

Throughout the conversation, they reflect on how collaboration between colleagues helped give them the confidence to get started and why supportive school communities make such a difference. They also discuss the impact outdoor learning has had on student attendance, emotional regulation, confidence, and classroom culture, especially for students who may struggle in more traditional learning environments.

In this episode, we explore:

How Andrew and Denee first got started with outdoor learning
The importance of collaboration and finding an outdoor learning partner
Fire building with Grade 2 and 3 students using flint and steel
Inquiry projects involving snowshoes, maps, soundscapes, and natural materials
Supporting newcomer students in experiencing Saskatchewan winters
How outdoor learning builds perseverance, teamwork, and student confidence
The positive impact outdoor learning can have on teacher well-being and energy
Why authentic, hands-on experiences help students who struggle in traditional classroom

Research Resources:

van Dijk-Wesselius, J. E.,Van Den Berg, A. E., Maas, J., & Hovinga, D. (2020). Green schoolyards as outdoor learning environments: Barriers and solutions as experienced by primary school teachers. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 2919.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02919/pdf

You can contact us and access our research, project ideas and more at:
https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html