Prepositions matter in this episode, specifically that three-letter word ‘for.’ What is outdoor learning ‘for’ assessment? How can we facilitate outdoor learning ‘for’ social-emotional learning (SEL)? Teacher, writer, podcaster, and regular sit-spot practitioner Lauren MacLean of Teach Outdoors joined us to talk assessment and SEL in the context of learning outdoors. We also got into the weeds regarding British Columbia’s competency-based assessment framework as well as documenting learners’ progress on a continuum.

Guest: Lauren MacLean

From the Teach Outdoors website

“I was born and raised in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada by my two amazing parents. My brother, sister, and I grew up playing in the ditches and wetlands in the summer and exploring the snowy mountains in the winter.

I now live in Port Moody, BC. It’s still on the West Coast of Canada, just a bit further up the Burrard Inlet. My family lives at the top of Heritage Mountain where we enjoy taking our two young toddlers and energetic dog on forest hikes.

I am very grateful to be living and learning on these lands which lie on the traditional, unceded territory of the Coast Salish people since time immemorial.”

Mentioned in episode:

• Teach Outdoors
• Teach Outdoors Podcast
• CASEL
• Wild Learning (Rachel Tidd)

Related resources:

• Sitting with Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots
• Me and My Sit Spot
• Me and My Sit Spot for Early Learners
• Embracing Risky Play at School