Engage in Spiralling Issue #4: Problematizing child-as-nature As you have learned in this Module, Rousseau’s educational theory still influences pedagogical practices in ECE in multiple ways. For example, tropes such as following the child’s lead and centring education on the child rather than on curriculum topics can be attributed to Rousseau. In our current ECE milieu, however, it may be the rise in outdoor ECE programs and spending more time in nature where Rousseau’s legacy lies. For this week’s discussion, you are asked to do three things:
Part 1: Find an ECE outdoor program in your community Search the internet for an ECE outdoor program in your community (or beyond). Spend some time reading about their program and philosophy (if possible you can even visit in person). What stood out for you? What connections with Module 4 have you made? Did you see any references to the history of the place on which the ECE program is located such as recognition of the original Indigenous owners of the land?
Part 2: Discussion post In the discussion post, share information about the ECE outdoor program that you learned about. Use the two readings for this week to engage with a critical examination of the ECE outdoor programs. What is the image of the child they portray? What is the image of nature? What kind of relations with nature does the program promote? Did you see any remnants of Rousseau’s legacy? If you ran an ECE outdoor program what would you emphasize? What kind of relations with nature and/or land would you promote and/or cultivate? Why?
