Events Archive
Wonder-Full Interactions: releasing fear & respecting autonomy (PDLS)
When we take learning outdoors, we get to learn in the company of so many more-than-humans. While grown-ups may understand the opportunities and richness that comes from supporting respectful interactions and observations of the creatures around us, encountering differences in the wild (and in the world) can elicit strong emotional reactions in the children & youth we guide (and even in us, the grown ups guiding them). Big emotions on a vast spectrum from - ‘eeeeek!!! A spider/chicken/frog’ to ‘awwwwwww! A worm/rabbit/pigeon.’ A skillset educators will hone in this session is facilitating wonder, felt safety, and quality learning for students when having these experiences, while keeping the safety and autonomy of the animals in our practice as well. An opportunity to nurture learning across differences, empathy, and set the culture of our spaces to be inclusive and welcome for all living creatures within it.Nature for All: embracing accessibility & inclusion for children with disabilities (PDLS)
Using reflection, discussion, and assessment tools, participants will assess their nature-based education programs for accessibility. They will also begin developing an action plan to improve inclusion. Taught from the perspective of a pediatric physical therapist, this workshop will encourage participants to reflect on their own intersectionality and positionality, especially related to ableism. We will learn about disability considerations and mobility equipment, as well as gain an understanding of laws and policies impacting accessibility. Integrating evidence-based practices and the experiences of disabled children and families, session participants will explore strategies and approaches for welcoming all families in nature-based educational programs and activities.FOREST SCHOOL TEACHER CERTIFICATE TRAINING Plus Additional Level I Forest School Naturalist Certification
374 Preserve Road
The Montour Preserve
Danville, PA 17821
FSTI with Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association
and Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership
Present
FOREST SCHOOL TEACHER CERTIFICATE TRAINING
Plus Additional Level I Forest School Naturalist CertificationWe are excited to announce our first Forest School Teacher Institute Certification Course in the state of Pennsylvania. Enjoy sweet communion with like-minded people, while exploring 640 scenic acres at Montour Preserve. Training will take place onsite, amidst forests, meadows, a 165-acre lake and a remarkable fossil pit!
You will observe children engaging in self-directed exploration at nearby River Valley Nature School while practicing observation and assessment strategies. Discover how to use music as a teaching tool and gain firsthand knowledge about historical and place-based learning. Special topics of study include: the Power of Partnerships and How to Empower Kids to be Storytellers, taught by John Zaktansky, Executive Director of Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association.
In addition to the three-day Teacher Certificate training, April 14-16, led by Dr. Jean Lomino, FSTI Founder and Director, you will also receive 8 hours of Naturalist Certificate training on April 17, led by a team of PA Master Naturalists and others.
Resourced Teachers: a basic needs assessment practice (PDLS)
Let’s get resourced, y’all! Many educators learn to put everyone else’s needs ahead of their own, and then we wonder why we’re depleted. Taking cues from nature, we can learn to assess our needs and make reasonable, flexible plans to meet them. In this workshop, you will learn how to assess (and meet!) your basic needs through daily connection with nature. Utilizing the tools you learn will ensure you’re resourced and ready to show up in a way that serves everyone - especially you!Forest School Teacher Training with ETSU
201 Methodist Camp Road
Jonesborough, TN 37659
Third Annual Forest School Teacher Training | Forest School Teacher Institute in Partnership with The Department Of Early Childhood Education - East Tennessee University
Join Dr. Jean Lomino, Founder and Director of Forest School Teacher Institute along with ETSU professors of Early Childhood Education, Dr. Jane Broderick and Dr. Pam Evanshen at The Camp at Buffalo Mountain for three days of sweet communion with like-minded people, learning together how to engage with children in a forest school. The Camp at Buffalo Mountain is tucked into a scenic valley in the Cherokee National Forest. You can explore miles of trails, a cascading mountain creek, and a reflecting pond set among the gifts of an Appalachian Spring.
Participants will gain Forest School Teacher Skills and Knowledge:
*Observe children, learning best practices for documentation and assessment, preschool through middle school at Seedkeepers Forest School onsite and just down the road, at Fauna Forest Farm.
*Understand the principles of child-directed Emergent Learning and create seasonal learning frameworks.
*Discover the importance of Place-based Education and how to integrate Culture and Heritage in Forest School.
*Participate in Mindfulness and Nature Journaling and learn how these skills benefit children in FS.
*Identify the benefits of Story-Telling through observation and practice
Additional Benefits:
*Introduction to Forest School online course FREE with this registration; should be completed before the March training.
*FSTI Certificate of Completion for 24 hours of FS Teacher Training.
*Free nature journaling supplies.
*Networking and inspiration throughout the training.
*Free EVENING MEAL, March 24 with GUEST SPEAKER.
Visit our website for details. Outdoor Teacher Retreat
11630 Glen Arm Rd
Glen Arm, MD 21057
This day of outdoor workshops will help ground you as we embrace the changes of Spring with young children. Join experts in the field of nature-based early learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of hands-on sessions to choose from incluing: Mindfulness, Sprituality, and Nature-Based Education; Spring plant walk with identification; needle felted crafting with wool; children's garden activities and more. Hosted at ANBE's outdoor 'lab' forest school, Notchcliff Nature Programs is based at Glen Meadows Retirement Community near Towson, MD. This day will take place 100% immersed in nature outdoors!
ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as 100% of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch is included, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day. Pending MSDE approval for six (6) clock hours of professional development! Diversity Education In Nature (DEIN), The Earth as a Role Model for Building Diversity and Belonging
Webinar Description: Join Camille Simone Edwards and Dan Kriesberg, creators of DEIN, on March 18 at 4:00-5:00 PM ET for an introduction to their innovative approach to DEIB efforts that combines outdoor education with reflective practices and group discussions. DEIN uses the Earth as a role model to show how the ecological concepts of biodiversity, interrelationships, and mutualism can inspire us to take action in building communities of belonging. The webinar outline: What is Diversity Education In Nature? How does Diversity Education In Nature work? What are the Diversity Education In Nature activities? How to move forward and take your first next step.School Gardening for Educators
School Gardening for Educators (4 x 60 min sessions) This series will offer pedagogical insights, paired with practical expertise, by teacher and classroom gardening expert Megan Zeni. Sessions will be scaffolded for building school garden capacity and address common barriers alongside low cost solutions. Most suitable for elementary school teachers working with learners aged 5 – 12. Session Dates & Times: 4 x 60 min Virtual Sessions on Zoom 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern Time Wednesdays – Feb 19, 26, & March 5, 12 https://outdoorlearning.com/event/the-classroom-gardener/Winter Outdoor Preschool Teacher Series: Three-part online series
This three-part series is packed with practical approaches to help refresh winter teaching practices here at the start of a new year! Join experienced practitioners during this inspiring (and useful!) virtual series. Classes will meet on January 27th, February 24th, and March 24th. Read on for detailed descriptions of each session! Purchase the whole series at a discount or select individual sessions that work best for you! Monday, January 27th from 7-8:00 PM (EST) [1hr] Chilly Childcare Cheer: Cold Weather Activities with Infants to Five-year-olds Presented by Anne Berardi of Berardi Family Farm Childcare Monday, February 24th from 7-9 PM (EST) [2hrs] Wilderness Mental Health First Aid Presented by Nicole Thurrell of WildMed Monday, March 24th from 7-8 PM (EST) [1 hr] Songs for Season's Change Presented by Sara Ernst of Wild Pickle PressThe Path Forward: Starting a New Nature-Based School Workshop
This two-part workshop (2 sessions, 3 hours each) presented by Dr. Rachel Larimore of Samara Early Learning is designed to help you plan for a successful new nature-based school or program—from a business perspective. . We’ll discuss key questions to ask before embarking on writing a business plan, components of the plan, and how to write a plan that gives an accurate picture of your vision. The workshop itself will be a mix of presentations and small-group interaction and problem-solving. Here’s what we’ll cover: Session 1 focus: → Components of a business plan → Step 1: Making a go/no-go decision → Step 2: Gathering the Facts Session 2 focus: → Step 3: Making key decisions → Step 4: Completing the Details Programming plan (What will the program look and feel like?) Site plan (How do I determine if a site is right for my business?) Building plan (What does the ideal physical space look like and how can I achieve that vision?) Marketing plan (Who is the target market? How do I reach them? How do I identify potential competition?) Operating plan (How do I identify the nuts and bolts of my program such as schedule, registration process, insurance, etc.?) Financial plan (How do I identify and track start-up and operating expenses?) Risk analysis (What might go wrong in my business plan and how might I respond if it does?)Free Winter Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshops
We've just released our free Winter Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshops featuring over 20 partners & presenters! ❄️❄️❄️ Jan 14: Outdoor Learning in the Early Years Feb 4: Climate and Sustainability Education Games and Resources Feb 11: Disability Justice in Outdoor Learning Feb 18: Indigenous Resources for the Early & Elementary Years Feb 25: Teaching Ideas and Activities for using Sit Spots These are all listed here: https://outdoorlearning.com/workshopsNature-Based Teacher Certification (online)
We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification as an online option! You will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and practices as you earn this introductory credential. To date, we have certified more than one thousand teachers from all 50 states and 24 countries, each gaining strategies and tools for unique nature-based settings. Now it's your turn! Our 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based ECE. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators working in any setting. SCHEDULE Tuesday/Thursday: Facilitated discussions on key topics Wednesdays: Cohort meetings and/or Guest Presenters Course meets live from 4PM - 6PM (PST)/ 6PM - 8PM (CST)/ 7PM - 9PM (EST) on Tuesdays and Thursdays with additional time built in for on-demand content, and select Wednesday sessions. There are a total of six consecutive weeks of online sessions with presenters and within small cohorts. Additional clock hours include a variety of presenters and one-on-one Mentor Meetings. Flexible, self-directed learning will take place centered on outdoor skills and experiences, which you must provide documentation of. Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course.Exploring the Languages of Snow and Ice
1715 Charlton Street
West St Paul, MN 55118
As winter transforms our landscape, secrets are revealed and the blank canvas of snow and ice lends itself to fantasy and imagination. We will explore the unique and wonderful possibilities of working with snow and ice. Learn practical tips on how to work with these materials alongside young learners and practice yourself! Event will be led by nature preschool teachers at Dodge Nature Preschool as part of the Reggio-Inspired Network of Minnesota's Saturday Gathering Series. A tour of Dodge Nature Preschool will follow the discussion. Braiding Sweetgrass for Educators
Braiding Sweetgrass for Educators Course (4 x 60 min sessions) Join us for these four engaging and insightful online sessions which will unpack the essential elements of Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults. This will be facilitated by award-winning and best-selling Indigenous author, Monique Gray Smith, who adapted Robin Wall Kimmerer’s New York Times Best selling book, Braiding Sweetgrass for a new generation of readers. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience. Monique will taking you on a learning journey, exploring the 6 sections of the book and the chapters within each of them, including key content for classroom and school use. Dates and Times: Wednesday, Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 – 4pm Pacific Time / 7pm Eastern Time on Zoom Meeting Recorded and recordings made available to registrants after for those who can’t attend live (available for 3 months after the session) In each session we will attend to: Indigenous wisdom Teaching of the Plants Scientific Knowledge History and Social and Emotional Wellness The reflection questions, calls to action and beautiful illustrations by Nicole Neidhardt All registrants will receive: 4 x virtual 60 min learning sessions with Monique Gray Smith! Access to the recordings (available for up to 3 months following the sessions) A Certificate of Completion Your contribution: Early Bird Registration: $120 ($30/session) until December 15 (please select this option if you are able) 50% Discounted Registration: $60 ($15/session) until December 15 (please select this option if price is a barrier) 25% discount for groups of 5 or more using this code at checkout: N945QEAF Your course fee goes towards supporting our charity in covering the course costs, including ensuring that we compensate the course instructors adequately, and that we can continue to offer learning opportunities like these. Facilitator: Monique Gray Smith is an award winning Indigenous author and educator. In addition to Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults, she has authored many other books including Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation and Lucy and Lola, part of The Journey Forward. Monique’s books are used to share wisdom, knowledge, hope and the important teaching that love is medicine. Monique is Cree and Scottish and has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 33 years.Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp
Elevate your outdoor education skills with our Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp, the first step in our Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program. This comprehensive 5-week course is designed for educators at all levels, guiding you through the Five Phases of Teaching Outdoors: Infrastructure, Getting Outdoors, Teaching & Learning Outdoors, Weather, and Sustainability. Our program offers clarity and advanced assessment tools, offering support and practical insights at every phase. Strengthen your practice and deepen your expertise with guidance designed for educators seeking to advance their outdoor teaching journey with confidence and clarity.Winter Solstice Outdoor Teacher Retreat
6692 Cedar Ln
Columbia, MD 21044
Winter is on the way - how will you celebrate the season? Join us for a special retreat that focuses on ways to explore nature in winter. This retreat brings together experts in the field of nature-based early learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of hands-on sessions to choose from.
ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as most of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch is included, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day. This training is pending approval by MSDE for six (6) clock hours of professional development.
Note: We strive for zero waste during our events; please bring your canteen for drinks.
Who Should Attend?
This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with young children ages 2 to 8. Our participants work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, child care settings, and more. Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots – Virtual Book Launch!
Sign-up to join us for this short and sweet 30 minute book launch to meet the author and listen to an excerpt from Lauren MacLean’s new exciting book ‘Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots‘. Building on her popular work around sit spots this resource will really help you to develop your sit spot practice, that offers cross curricular and personal development learning each and every time. There will be an opportunity for short Q&A with the author as time allows.Whispers of the Earth: A Journey through Indigenous Wisdom – Virtual Book Launch!
Sign-up to join us for this short and sweet 30 minute book launch to meet the authors, Launa Purcell and Carl Sam, and listen to the Whispers of the Earth. Experience learning from many of our other relatives and experiencing Indigenous language and wisdom as you journey through this beautiful book. Launa is a member of the Xa’xtsa First Nation and a mother of two. She works as an Indigenous Educator and teaches Indigenous outdoor camps. Carl Sam is “Ha7li” of the Bear Clan from Skookumchuck, part of St’at’icmulh Nation, sometimes referred to as the Interior Salish. There will be an opportunity for short Q&A with the authors as time allows. All registrants will receive a discount code to access the resources shared and the recording.Outdoor Teacher Retreat
8480 Hagy's Mill Road
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Join us in Philadelphia for an engaging day of nature-based training. This retreat brings together experts in the field of nature-based early learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of interactive workshops to choose from.
ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as most of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch is included on Saturday, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day.
Note: We strive for zero waste during our training events; please bring your canteen for drinks.
Who Should Attend?
This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with young children ages 2 to 8. Our participants work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, child care settings, and more.
Workshop Topics Include...
Plant ID and Functionality
Storytelling
Nature Math
Documentation and Building on Children's Interests Into the Woods, A Forest School Wellness Retreat
95098 Frank Ward Road
Fernandina, FL 32034
Join Forest School Teacher Institute and Wild Oak Explorers at Jaybird Hammock Farm for a weekend of healing and grounding in nature, nurturing our bodies and souls. These gifts from nature are multiplied as we share sweet communion.
• Reignite your childhood curiosity and awe, by observing children engaged in nature-based learning at Wild Oak Explorers.
• Enliven your senses among ancient oaks and cypress trees in the tranquil wetlands and forests of Fernandina Beach.
• Practice mindfulness with goat yoga, forest bathing, SUPY yoga, and sound baths.
• Expand mindfulness through quiet time engaged in handcrafts and nature journaling.
• Allow nature to heal with breathwork, sit spots, and forest bathing.
• Let nature teach with a foraging hike, practicing bushcraft skills in the forest, and spending time with the goats and other animals on the Farm.
• Nourish yourself at an evening Farm to Table Meal in a magical forest setting.
Facilitators:
• Dr. Jean Lomino, Founder and Director of Forest School Teacher Institute
• Stacey Tappan, Founder and Director of Wild Oak Explorers
• Jaybird Hammock Farm Teaching Team
• Ann-Marie Sheehan, STEM educator and Co-founder of Sheehan Homestead
• Betsy Harris, Manager and Teacher, Surf Asylum-- surfboard shop and training
Enrollment Fee: $750 per person. The fee includes all activities, supplies, Saturday lunch, and Saturday Farm to Table Dinner. Lodging and other meals are not included.
Cap: 20 participants
$100 Early Bird Discount if enrolled by August 31, 2024. - 1 of 31
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