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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

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In this episode, Derek and Chris talk with Gillian, a longtime, friend, educator, mentor, and co-creator of the Let’s Lead – Nikanetan program, about what it really takes to build an outdoor learning program from the ground up. Drawing on years of shared experience, they unpack the journey from early conversations and small collaborative efforts to the creation of a fully realized program designed to support students who need it most.

Gillian shares insights into the importance of intentional planning, strong relationships, and the role of supportive administrators in bringing a program to life. Together, we explore how outdoor learning programs can create powerful opportunities for belonging, leadership, and re-engagement, particularly for marginalized and disengaged youth.

In this episode, we explore:

• How our programs were created and evolved over time
• Why taking time to plan and build a strong foundation matters
• The importance of administrative support and community partnerships
• Removing financial barriers to create equitable access for all students
• Rethinking student selection through experiential “tryout” camps
• Key program structures like learning teams, morning meetings, and gratitude circles
• How outdoor learning programs can transform student engagement and identity

Whether you’re thinking about starting a program or looking to bring more outdoor learning into your current practice, this episode offers both inspiration and grounded advice to help you take the next step.

To contact Gillian, you can email her at:

strange_one@live.com

Resources mentioned:

Brendtro, L., & Brokenleg, M. (2009). Reclaiming youth at risk: Our hope for the future. Solution Tree Press.

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

Send us a text! (We can't reply, so include your contact info if you want us to get back to you.)

In this episode, Derek and Chris sit down with Nicole Turner to explore the realities, challenges, and opportunities of outdoor learning across grade levels.

Nicole shares her journey from outdoor camps to classroom teaching and her work with EcoJustice, along with insights from her master’s research focused on helping teachers increase outdoor learning in their practice. She also discusses the creation of a widely used resource hub designed to make outdoor learning more accessible for educators.

A key theme throughout the episode is Nicole’s belief that “small is beautiful.” Rather than focusing on large-scale trips or complex planning, she encourages educators to start with simple, local experiences—using nearby green spaces, schoolyards, and spontaneous moments of curiosity as powerful entry points for learning.

The conversation highlights:

• The ease of inquiry-based learning in kindergarten and early years
• How outdoor environments naturally spark curiosity and engagement
• The social and emotional benefits of getting older students outside
• The importance of revisiting the same outdoor spaces to build connection and familiarity
• Strategies for lowering barriers to outdoor learning, including simple planning and resource sharing
• The role of community, care partners, and guest experts in enriching learning experiences
• The importance of reconnecting students with the natural world and their local environment

Nicole also shares practical classroom examples—from ladybug inquiries to bird studies and place-based exploration—that demonstrate how outdoor learning can be both simple and deeply impactful.

Links to Nicole's Work

Outdoor Learning Support Document for Teachers

Breaking Out of the Textbox - Increasing Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Learning Resource Hub - This guide was developed for Saskatoon School Divisions but most of the information should be applicable (with some degree of variance) to any school within the province.

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