This workshop will provide preschool educators the information and skills to incorporate nature-based concepts into daily preschool routines while maintaining the integrity of their best practice curriculum. Topics will include:

• Benefits of Nature Play

• Real versus perceived outdoor risks

• Naturalizing outdoor play areas

• Integrating nature into indoor spaces

• The real meaning of “dress for the weather”

• Leading effective excursions

• Extending learning through studies

• Seasonal activities to incorporate into the classroom

• Introductory natural history (insects, reptiles & amphibians, mammals, plants, birds)

Monday participants will spend the day learning about the benefits of nature-based programming, discussing outdoor risks, learning various seasonal activities, and creating props and materials for implementing these concepts. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings participants will observe Nature Preschool children and staff in a typical day of the program. The afternoons will include reflections on the morning session, basic natural history, and information to focus the observations for the following day. 

Download the Nature Preschool Institute flyer