Book Chapters
Ward, K. (2018) Singing in the Forest: Outdoor Education as Early Childhood Curriculum in T. Gray and D. Mitten (Eds) The Palgrave International Handbook of Women and Outdoor Learning, (pp. 607-621). Palgrave Macmillan: London.
Ward, K. (2018) Econnection- Arts-Based Pedagogies And Experiential Nature Education, Proceedings of the Australian Association for Bush Adventure Therapy Conference 2017. AABAT Victoria.
Gray, T., Tracey, D., Truong, S., & Ward, K. (2017). Get of the way and let nature weave her magic. In Book of Abstracts: European Outdoor Education Conference, Plymouth, UK, June 28-July 2, (p. 143). 978-0- 9955996-4-2
Ward, K. (2017) Inquiry Arts Pedagogy and Experiential Nature Education: Econnection in Early Childhood in Curtis, D. (Ed) Building Sustainability with the Arts: Proceedings of the 2nd national EcoArts Australis Conference 2016, (pp 229-244).
Inwood, H., Adams, J., Heimlich, J., Ward. K., (2017) Environmental Arts. in A. Kudryavtsev & M. Krasny’,
Urban Environmental Education Review, (Ch 23.). Cornell University Press.
Ward, K. (2017). Beyond Sustainability – New Visions for Human Econnection in Early Childhood Education. In K. Malone, S. Truong, & T. Gray (Eds.), Reimagining Sustainability in Precarious Times, (pp. 129- 142). Singapore: Springer.
Arthur L, Ward K, Cardona B, Staples K, Truong S, 2015, Professional Identities: Contested Discourses. European Early Childhood Education Research Association. Annual Conference Proceedings, (pp 278- 278).
Ward, K. (2016) The Natural World as Content for Interconnection and Divergence of Pretense and Storytelling in Children’s Play, in S. Douglas, & L. Stirling, (eds.). Children’s Play, Pretense, and Story: Studies in Culture, Context, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, (227-250). New York: Psychology Press.
Ward, K. (2013). Enhancing Environmental Awareness Through the Arts. In S. Elliot, Edwards. S., J. Davis, & Cutter-Mackenzie (Eds.), Early Childhood Australia’s Best of Sustainability: Research, Practice and Theory, (pp. 21-29). Deakin West: Early Childhood Australia.
Book Reviews
Ward, K. (2016). Review: Children, Youth and Environments, 26(1), 195-197. doi:1. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.uws.edu.au/stable/10.7721/chilyoutenvi.26.1.0195 doi:1
Refereed Journal Articles:
Ward, K. S., Truong, S., and Gray, T. (2022) Connecting to nature through community engaged scholarship: Community gardens as sites for collaborative relationships, psychological, and physiological wellbeing. Frontiers Psychiatry 13:883817. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.883817
Mann J, Gray T, Truong S, Brymer E, Passy R, Ho S, Sahlberg P, Ward K, Bentsen P, Curry C and Cowper R (2022) Getting Out of the Classroom and Into Nature: A Systematic Review of Nature-Specific Outdoor Learning on School Children’s Learning and Development. Front. Public Health 10:877058. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.877058
Truong, S, Ward, K, Gray, T (2022) Enhancing urban nature and place-making in social housing through community gardening. Urban Forestry, Urban Greening. Volume 72 doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127586.
Gray, T., Truong, S., Ward, K., Tracey, D (2022) Community gardens as local learning environments in social housing contexts: Participant perceptions of enhanced wellbeing and community connection. Local Environment. Vol.27 (5), p.570-585
Mercieca, D., Mercieca, D., & Ward, K. (2021) Teachers Working in Special Schools in Scotland Acting with Practical Wisdom: Supporting Children with Additional Needs in COVID-19 Lockdown. Education Sciences. 11(10), 569. 30% contribution. DOI: 10.3390/educsci11100569
Mann, J., Gray, T., Truong, S., Sahlberg, P., Bentsen, P., Passy, R., Ho, S., Ward, K. and Cowper, R. (2021) ‘A Systematic Review Protocol to Identify the Key Benefits and Efficacy of Nature-Based Learning in Outdoor Educational Settings’, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Widdop Quinton, H., Ward, K., Ahearn, M., & Carapeto, T. (2020). Resonances: Tuning into the echoes of the ecological collective. Australian Journal of Environmental Education, 36(2), 169-188. Ward, K. (2018) What’s in a Dream: Natural elements, risk and loose parts in children’s dream playspace drawings. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood Education, 43(1). pp. 34 – 42.
Ward, K. (2018) What’s in a Dream: Natural elements, risk and loose parts in children’s dream playspace drawings. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood Education, 43(1). pp. 34 – 42.
Truong, S., Gray, T., Ward, K., & Tracey, D. (2018). Expanding the circles across Outdoor Learning, Adventure Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy in schools. Proceedings of the 2018 8th International Adventure Therapy Conference, Sydney, 29th August – 2nd September.
Tracey, D., Gray, T., Truong, S., & Ward, K. (2018). Combining acceptance commitment therapy with adventure therapy to promote psychological wellbeing for children at-risk. Frontiers in Psychology, 9(1565), pp. 1-9. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01565
Truong, S., Singh, M., Reid, C., Gray, T. & Ward, K. (2018) Vertical schooling and learning transformations in curriculum research: points and counterpoints in outdoor education and sustainability. Curriculum Perspectives, 38(2):pp. 181-186. DOI: 10.1007/s41297-018-0053-y
Truong S, Gray T, Ward K, (2016), “Sowing and growing” life skills through garden-based learning to reengage disengaged youth. LEARNing Landscapes, 10(1), pp. 361-385.
Ward, K. (2013) Creative Arts-based Pedagogies in in Early Childhood Education for Sustainability (EfS): Challenges and Possibilities. Australian Journal of Environmental Education, Vol. 29, Issue 2. P.165-181
Non-refereed Journal Articles
Ward, K. (2017) Fostering Econnection in Your Centre. Belonging in the Early Years, 1(64). pp 18-64.
Ward, K. (2017) The Arts and Sustainability: Econnection in Early Childhood, Exchange. Childcare Exchange. v1. 36-37, Seattle, USA.
Ward, K. “Music and Place Belong Together. ” The Buli: Orff Schulwerk Association of New South Wales, 43, no. 1 (2015): 7-10.
Tarr, K. (2008), ‘Nurturing Nature Lovers’, Rattler, vol. Autumn, No. 85, pp. 16 -21.
Reports:
Ward, K. Birch, R.; MacDonald, T., Beresford-Dey, M., Lakin, L., Purcell, M., Searle, B. (2023) Learning for Sustainability: Young People and Practitioner Perspectives, Scottish Government Research and Analytical Division, Edinburgh. (Lead author)
Dobia, B., Truong, S., Ward, K. & Regalado, J. (2019).Wilding Nature Play For Children and Families: An Evaluation of The Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden at Centennial Park, Sydney, Western Sydney University. DOI: 10.26183/5d5224409fa67.)
Malone, K., Moore, S.J, and Ward, K. (2019), Children’s Bodies Sensing Ecologically: a study of pre-language children’s ecological encounters, Centre for Educational Research, Western Sydney University.
Truong, S., Ward, K., Tracey, D., & Gray, T. (2018). ACT in the Outdoors: A program based on Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Adventure Therapy and Outdoor Learning. Facilitator Manual. Sydney, NSW: Centre for Educational Research, Western Sydney University. doi: 10.4225/35/5a961c4140818
Truong S, Gray T, Tracey D, Ward K, (2018), The Impact of Royal Botanic Gardens’ Community Greening Program on Perceived Health, Wellbeing, and Social Benefits in Social Housing Communities in NSW, New South Wales Department of Family and Community Services; Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, [REDI ID: 252258]
Ward, K. 2017 Econnection in Early Childhood Education-Synergies in Inquiry Arts Pedagogies and Experiential Nature Education. Centre for Educational Research: University of Western Sydney. DOI 10.4225/35/5a39a42c85b42
Gray T, Tracey, D., Truong, S., & Ward, K. (2017). Fostering the wellbeing of students with challenging behaviour and/or emotional needs through Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Outdoor Learning. http://doi.org/10.4225/35/5924fd37c514d
Ward. K. 2016. IAPENE Pedagogical Tool. Western Sydney University.
Malone, K., Dimoulias, K., Truong, S., & Ward, K. (2014a). Researching Children’s Designs for a Child Friendly Play Space at Rouse Hill Town Centre. Centre for Educational Research: University of Western Sydney.
Malone, K., Dimoulias, K., Truong, S., & Ward, K. (2014b). PlayHill: Child friendly play space children’s report. Industry commissioned research report by GPT Urban Developers.
Conference Presentations:
Ward, K. (2022) Arts, Econnection and Post Humanism: Practical Applications for Sustainability and Regenerative Living. 9th International Outdoor Education Research Conference (IOERC). July 2022.
Ward, K., Truong, S., Gray, T. (2022) Social and Cultural EnACTment of future selves: Learning in the Outdoors with Acceptance Commitment Therapy and the Arts, 9th International Outdoor Education Research Conference (IOERC). July 2022
Ward, K. (2021) Teachers Working in Special Schools in Scotland Acting with Practical Wisdom: Supporting Children with Additional Needs in COVID-19 Lockdown. Annual Research and Scholarship Conference November 2021, University of Dundee.
Ward, K. (2021) Arts, Econnection and Post Humanism: Practical Applications for Sustainability and Regenerative Living. .Annual Research and Scholarship Conference November 2021, University of Dundee.
Ward, K. (2021) Invited Key Note: Inquiry Arts-Based Pedagogies and Experiential Nature Education for Sustainability Learning in Early Childhood, International Conference on Social Studies & Humanities (ICOSH), 28 October, Malaysia. (Conducted online due to Covid)
Ward, K, & Truong, S. (2020) Wilding Nature Play for Children and Families: The 2020 Conference on the Value of Play: PLAY FOR ALL. Clemson University. April 2020, South Carolina, USA (conducted online due to Covid). 50% ContributionWard, K. (2019) Where do the Children Play: Policy Legislation & Research to support High Quality Children’s Early Learning Environments, Future-oriented Preschool Education, Guangdong University, May 2019.
Ward, K. (2019) Children’s Bodies Sensing Ecologically: A Study of Pre-language Children’s Ecological Encounters, World Forum on Early Care and Education, Macau, April 2019
Ward, K. (2017) Inquiry Arts Pedagogies and Experiential Nature Education in Early Childhood, World Forum on Early Care and Education, Auckland, May 2017
Ward, K. (2017) Creative Arts and Sustainability for Econnection in Early Childhood. 9th. World Environmental Education Conference, Vancouver, September 2017.
Truong, S. Ward, K., Gray, T., Tracey, D. (2017) Collaborative research to enhance wellbeing through school and community gardens. 9th World Environmental Education Conference, Vancouver, September 2017.
Truong, S. Ward, K., Gray, T., Tracey, D. (2017) EnACTment of future selves using nature and arts engagement. 9th World Environmental Education Conference, Vancouver, September 2017.
Ward, K. (2017) Econnection: Arts-based pedagogies and experiential nature education: an international perspective. Australian Association for Bush Adventure Therapy Conference, Victoria, April 2017.
Ward, K. (2016) International Arts-Based Pedagogies and Experiential Nature Education for Sustainability Learning in Early Childhood. Australian Association for Environmental Education, Adelaide October 2016.
Ward, K. (2016) International Perspectives on Arts Pedagogies and Experiential Nature Education. North American Association for Environmental Education, Madison, October 2016
Gray, T., Truong, S., & Ward, K., (2016) Sowing and growing’ life skills through garden-based learning to re-engage disengaged youth. NOEC National Conference, Sunshine Coast, Qld.
Ward, K. (2015, February). The art of Being in Place, Eco-Arts Australis 2nd National Conference, Wollongong. NSW.
Ward, K. (2015, June). The Art of Being In and With Place, ‘Children and the Environment‘ University of Canberra The Australian Institute for Sustainable Communities (AISC), Canberra, ACT.
Ward, K. (2015, April). Beyond Sustainability: New Visions of Human Econnection in Early Childhood and Primary School Education. Paper presented at the Visiting Scholar Presentation UNL, University of Nebraska Lincoln, NE.
Ward, K. (2014, November) Beyond Sustainability – New visions of human Econnection in Early Childhood and Primary School Education. Smart Strategies for the 21st Century. AAEE, Hobart.
Ward, K. (2014, November) Beyond Sustainability – Visions of Post-human E-connection in Early Childhood and Primary Education, Precarious Times: New Imaginings for Sustainability. Centre for Educational Research, UWS, Sydney.
Ward, K. (2013, July) The Place Of The Creative Arts In Meaning Making. Strengthening Preschoolers’ Literacy And Numeracy Learning Through Enriched Play Environments. A University Of Western Sydney Project For The Department Of Education And Communities, Western Sydney Region.
Ward, K. (2013, July) Using The Natural Environment To Extend Literacy And Numeracy Learning. Strengthening Preschoolers’ Literacy And Numeracy Learning Through Enriched Play Environments. A University Of Western Sydney Project For The Department Of Education And Communities, Western Sydney Region.
Ward, K. (2013, June) Researching Place-Based Sustainability: Methodological and Theoretical Challenges. 7th World Environmental Education Congress. Marrakech, Morrocco.
Ward, K. (2013, April) Nature Tales: An Experience of Belongning in the World. The Exapanding Universe of Social Ecology. University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury.
Ward, K. (2012, October) Risk and Nature Tales: ‘Stories of animal behaviour to exemplify risk assessment processes for children’. Unwrapping: Encouraging Risk in the Cotton Wool Generation. Newcastle, NSW Ward, K. (2011, May) The Living Curriculum: The Wonder of an Early Childhood Program Based on the Natural World. World Forum on Early Care and Education. Hawaii, USA
Ward, K. (2010, September) The Living Curriculum: A Natural Wonder 2. Garla Bauondi’: Fuelling the Fire conference. Adelaide, Australia.
Ward, K. (2009, June) The Living Curriculum: A Natural Wonder’. World Forum on Early Care and Education. Belfast, Ireland.
RPL and its Role in Lifelong Learning, Swings and Roundabouts, Australian TAFE Teachers Association Conference, April 2002. Gold Coast
Kumara Ward 