Skip to main content
Social Sci LibreTexts

28.6: Create a Program Culture that Supports Outdoor Play and Exploration

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF
  • Page ID
    142493

    • Amanda Taintor
    \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

    Culture and the Outdoors

    One way to build support and understanding of the importance of outdoor experiences is to develop a philosophy statement describing the program's beliefs. 1Almeras, Creating a Nature-Based Culture, slides 24, 32. A defined philosophy statement and policies supported by program leadership can guide program practices by providing a framework for planning and teaching. Consider the following process for developing a philosophy statement.

    • Ask for input from staff and families. Provide information and resources as needed to facilitate the conversation.
    • Involve staff and families in writing and reviewing the statement to increase consensus and support.
    • Once a statement is finalized, translate the statement into families' home languages. Post the information where families and staff can see it. Consider including it in newsletters and other documents that describe the program.
    • Share and discuss the statement during new staff and family orientations, staff and parent meetings, home visits, and group socialization.[1]

    [1] U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Supporting outdoor play and exploration for infants and toddlers. ECLKC. is in the public domain

    This page titled 28.6: Create a Program Culture that Supports Outdoor Play and Exploration is shared under a mixed 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Amanda Taintor.