Nature is the perfect way to enhance a child’s learning. This workshop will inspire and motivate you to include nature in your teaching practices and even move some of your learning outside. 2 and 3 hour options available.

We challenge you to confront your fears and ask yourself why we say no to certain types of play. What is your yes? In this workshop educators will develop knowledge of the what and why of adventurous play and how it supports children’s learning.

Let’s dig deep to find out why gardening is crucial in early childhood education! Join us for a thought provoking workshop where we will get our hands dirty and our hearts happy. Each participant will leave with lesson plans and materials for your classroom. 2 and 3 hour options available.

In this workshop, we will discuss and define loose parts play, a type of open-ended play using materials with no defined purpose and infinite possibilities. We will engage in hands-on experiences and dive deep into its methodology and how to set up rich and engaging environments.

Working with tools engages the hands, mind, and heart of both children and adults by building self-esteem and confidence. We will introduce you to the value of woodwork in early childhood education, and how it provides a truly unique experience through tinkering, making, creating, and process-based learning. (Pending MSDE approval)

Today, children are missing out! Recess has been shortened. It is the first thing that is impacted when schedules are squeezed or the weather is not optimal. Children who engage in natural learning environments experience cognitive and psychological benefits as well as the more obvious physical benefits. We will shed light on how truly essential an outdoor space for nature connection, play and learning is. You will learn how to create or renovate the outdoor space you currently have so nature and children win! (Pending MSDE approval)

Our lives are busier than ever before. We are not quite sure how to stop feeling the pressure? Slowing down is the antidote, not only good for our physical and mental well-being, but for strong connections with each other and with the earth. By following the seasons and Mother Nature’s lead, all children can learn from an early age how to regulate themselves and help others do the same. Finding the peace and calm you and the children in your care need is just outside your door! Nature is Enough! Pending MSDE approval.

Play is how children learn in early childhood education. Nature is the backdrop for exhilarating rainy and muddy days of play. Mud and messy play have benefits for children and the adults who care for them. In this workshop, you will discuss how it can align with your program's current curriculum as well as MSDE ECE standards. Renewed observation and documentation skills will set up the narrative that will allow you to educate parents on the importance of child-led, outdoor play and learning. Planning templates will be provided and small group discussions will support lessons for mud play. Let’s “dish” about it! Pending MSDE approval!

The mud kitchen is an enriching and exciting setting that provides every child access to play. The mud kitchen is an inclusive and safe place, providing endless opportunities for open-ended, sensory-rich play. Messy play can be a fundamental way to dampen sensory issues and gradually advance children’s social/emotional development. You will hone your environmental design skills so set up will be a breeze. In the end, you will cook up developmentally appropriate practices so you can open a mud kitchen in your setting that will appeal to all children. Pending MSDE approval.

1 hour Cur and 1 hour SN

We will develop a seasonal curriculum plan supporting a push for native gardens and rewilded areas how to do less to your yard to provide more food for pollinators and safe havens for ALL children. We will weave in a sensory garden and sweet little “hideaways” where children can have a place to self-regulate. This will include flora and fauna lesson development and emergent experiences. Native plants can be on site for sale if requested. Pending MSDE approval

You name it, we can create it! Can't find a date that works for your center or area? Let’s work together to create your own professional development. You choose among workshops that have been presented or “suggest and create” learning opportunities to suit your programs needs. Let’s get creative and talk!