Hi, I’m Shannon!
I help teachers and educators take their students outside with curriculum-based outdoor learning activities that take the stress and hassle out of outdoor learning.
I’m just a regular elementary school teacher from Saskatchewan, Canada who loves outdoor learning and taking my students outside. Even when the Canadian temperature drops (and when it drops, it really drops!) you will find me outside exploring our schoolyard and community with my students. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always fun!
Getting started with outdoor learning was tricky. There were so many things to think about such as safety and risk management, not to mention figuring out how I was going to cover my curriculum outside. (And prove to my administration that outdoor learning was legit!) However, after some trial and error, I figured out what worked for me and what didn’t.
Over the past 10 years I have made it my mission to both find and create outdoor learning activities that not only met our curriculum outcomes but also helped my students deepen their connection with nature. Also, I am a low-maintenance style teacher, so all of my activities require little prep work.
And that’s exactly what I want to share with you… activities and resources that help you get outside with your students without any stress or extra hassle.
I want to help you learn and grow from my own mistakes. Taking your students outside doesn’t need to be difficult. In fact, the easier it is, the better. I’ve already done the hard work and experimentation in outdoor learning so you won’t have to.
I will help you find curriculum-based outdoor education activities that so you can experience the many benefits of outdoor learning. You will also find resources to help you navigate some of the more challenging aspects of outdoor learning, such as risk management.
What makes Thrive With Outdoor Learning Different…
Our curriculum-based outdoor learning resources have been designed to help students experience the benefits of outdoor learning while building a connection to nature.
- I am a mom, wife, and teacher. I can relate to the feeling of being busy all of the time. Getting outside with your students should be something that is easy and enjoyable for you, not something that creates stress and hassle.
- All resources are tested in the field with a wide range of kids. I have 15 years of full-time teaching experience and have taught everything from kindergarten to grade 8
- Each activity is based on science and best teaching practices. I have a B.Sc in Biology, a B.Ed. in Elementary Education, an M.A. in Environmental Education.
- Safety is a top priority. I am a certified Forest School Practioner and I am currently completing my outdoor learning certificate from the Outdoor Learning Store. Each of these certifications has helped me establish safe and effective outdoor learning practices.
- I truly want to help you get outside and experience the benefits of outdoor learning alongside your students. Let me know what challenges you are facing or what questions you have.
