REVIEWS
A Walking Curriculum for the Early Years is an exceptional professional resource for educators who want to incorporate outdoor and environmental education while im- mersing themselves in Imaginative Ecologi- cal Education (IEE) and place-based learn- ing. Te book is filled with simple yet rich activities that engage students and educa- tors while encouraging a deep and growing connection with the local environment and wider natural world. I was excited to see my favourite walks
from Te Walking Curriculum reimagined for our youngest learners and was inspired to try a new walk from the book with my stu- dents the day aſter reading about it. Umbrella days are now some of our favourite days! Tis resource is well laid out, including a
A WALKING CURRICULUM FOR THE EARLY YEARS: Developing a Sense of Place by Sparking Curiosity and Wonder by Michelle McKay and Klara Redford, with Gillian Judson Outdoor Learning Store, 2023. 99 pages, $35 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Reviewed by Laura Di Nicola
chapter on planning and preparing for out- door learning and a chapter on documenting active learning with students and reflective practice. Each walk contains a cognitive tool to focus on and is organized into three sec- tions: minds on, the walk (including obser- vation, communication and documentation ideas) and consolidation conversations. I found the list of mentor texts and extensions for play for each lesson especially useful.
Amazing L’nu’k: A Celebration of the Peoples of Mi’kma’ki highlights the accomplishments and contributions of Indigenous people from Mi’kma’ki in eastern Canada. It explains the history and geographical locations of the Mi’Kmaw territories, which include Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and parts of Maine in the U.S. Te book includes origi- nal colour illustrations, informative sidebars, a map of Mi’kmaw territories, a history of Mi’kma’ki, an index and a glossary. Te beautifully illustrated book is divided
AMAZING L’NU’K: A Celebration of the Peoples of Mi’kma’ki by Julie Pellissier-Lush and Robin Grant illustrated by James Bentley Nimbus Publishing, 2023 192 pages, $24.95 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Reviewed by Kristan Osborne
into six parts, each offering a short biogra- phy of an influential Mi’Kmaw person. Tese include historical and present-day activists, athletes, educators, Knowledge Keepers, sci- entists and entrepreneurs across a range of ages, from children to Elders. Te book also includes an introduction
to the concept of etuaptmumk, or two-eyed seeing, which is the integration of Indigenous and western knowledge. Each story considers how people have supported their own com- munities locally, provincially and globally.
While geared towards educators in Kin-
dergarten and the Primary grades, the walks are easily adaptable for any grade to inspire students’ sense of place and curiosity. Walks can be connected to the Ontario curricu- lum by creating a sense of belonging within the local and larger community, ecological awareness and responsibility, all while us- ing scientific research and experimentation processing skills. Numeracy and literacy are also woven
into each walk. I appreciate that learning in- vitations in the book require little to no prep- aration of materials. Place-based learning within schoolyards, local greenspaces and neighbourhoods offers most of the learning materials you will need. As a teacher and outdoor educator, I can-
not recommend adding A Walking Curricu- lum for the Early Years to your bookshelves enough.
Laura Di Nicola is a member of the Grand Erie Occasional Teacher Local.
Tere are a number of Language cur-
riculum connections with Amazing L’nu’k. In Language, grades 1-8: “Demonstrate an un- derstanding of the contributions, lived expe- riences and perspectives of a diversity of in- dividuals and communities, including those in Canada, by exploring the concepts of iden- tity, self and sense of belonging in culturally responsive and relevant texts.” Also, A3.3: “Explain themes explored in First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures to demonstrate an understanding of the varied identities, per- spectives, relationships, legacies, truths and ways of knowing, being and doing.” Amazing L’nu’k is a great resource for
your classroom or school library. Students will enjoy this engaging and informative text as they learn about the Mi’kmaw people and the contributions they have made and con- tinue to make.
Kristan Osborne is a member of the Peel Elementary Teacher Local.
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 45
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