SWATCA2018

Ropes, planks, logs, rocks and boxes may not seem meaningful in an educational setting; however, these types of open-ended materials - loose parts - advance children’s learning. When loose parts are combined with outdoor play, children’s learning opportunities are further expanded and maximized. Understanding the magic of loose parts can support you in deepening and enriching children’s learning experiences, development and therefore, their academic success. You don’t have to choose between play and learning.In this session, you will learn about how loose parts in outdoor play become the impetus for academic skills and knowledge as well as fundamental life skills, engage in loose parts play outside, and learn about the evidence based practice of loose parts outdoor play in a school setting from other provinces and countries. A small portion of the session will be held outside rain/snow or shine so please dress appropriately to the weather. Come play with loose parts and learn how better play can make better schools!

Risky play is not a risk but a benefit to children. Learn about what research says about risky play and how to support children in taking safe risks in a school setting. Climbing a tree, jumping off a tree, balancing on a tree log, using real tools… Numerous research has indicated that these types of risky play are not a risk but benefit children. In fact, risky play is an essential part of child and youth development. Risky play contributes to children’s critical thinking skills as well as their healthy and active life styles. Risky play also plays an important role in helping children establish competencies and a sense of identity. In this session, you will learn about research based knowledge of risky play, discuss how to support children in taking safe risks in a school setting, and learn how to manage risky play by engaging in a risk benefit assessment.

Tried and true approaches to embedding wellness within a school culture and resources to keep moving forward from local teacher health champions. Are you the lone health crusader in your school? Part of a covert wellness alliance – resisting the unhealthy food choices, inactivity insurgents and smart phone zombies in your hallways? Whether you are just starting the epic journey of creating a healthy school environment or are a battle-tested health champion looking for new ways to “keep the flame alive”, this session is for you. Come trade ideas with like-minded teachers dedicated to fighting the good fight toward healthier school communities. Hear from local teacher health champions on their current road to wellness. Leave with a renewed sense of hope and tactical strategies to support your mission nutrition, movement militia or war for mental wellness. You are not alone.

School Health Champions Unite!
Topic:Part of the Ever Active Schools Health & Wellness Symposium. Open to teachers of all ages and disciplines, join this collection of sessions dedicated to building healthy schools!
Summary:What is a Health Champion? Research has indicated that healthy students are better learners but how do we get there? review the Comprehensive School Health (CSH) approach and participants will explore their role in a healthy school community and discuss ways to make sustainable change. We will provide you with some fun, easy (and cheap!) ideas for you to take back to your classrooms and to your staff rooms on Monday. Come away from this presentation motivated to promote health and wellness in your school or jurisdiction.

The Ever Active Schools Social Emotional DPA Booster Kit is designed to help reinforce social and emotional skills while encouraging students be active in a classroom setting 
Summary:The Ever Active Schools Social Emotional DPA Booster Kit is designed to help reinforce social and emotional skills while encouraging students be active in a classroom setting. Games and equipment options can be expanded to include more discussion and reflection, or can be used for energizers between, within, or before classes. Explore this resource in a hands-on, active session.