Webinar | Play Based Learning and Mindfulness in Nature

Facilitators

Sharon Scimeca (EMSB Behavior Technician) and Danna Vincent (EMSB Teacher).

Description

Join Sharon Scimeca (EMSB Behavior Technician) and Danna Vincent (EMSB Teacher) as they share experiences with play-based learning and mindfulness in nature. Shannon Holton (EMSB BASE) will lead a mindfulness exercise.

Sharon and Danna will share concrete examples of how a play-based learning field trip to Beaver Lake gave kindergarten students from Leonardo Di Vinci Academy the opportunity to experience nature, connect with their senses and set and reach their own goals. The presenters will explain how educators can use techniques such as scaffolding and open-ended questioning to stretch their students' thinking. Examples and benefits of incorporating mindfulness exercises will also be discussed.

The webinar will include an opportunity to discuss research and educator experience of what happens when students follow their own curiosity, naturally incorporating numeracy and literacy within their self-directed play, and how students that are typically hyperactive and unfocussed in-class experience higher levels of calm and focus through play-based learning. These benefits are further enhanced in natural settings, especially with the incorporation of mindfulness techniques, and can improve the overall physical and mental well-being of students.