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Loose Parts - Inspiration for Indoor and Outdoor Play

March 24, 2021
In this webinar, we will be giving examples of how loose parts can support children’s interests in indoor and outdoor environments. For example… Are children interested in ramps? What can this look like indoors? How can you extend this interest into your outdoor space using different materials? You will leave this session with ideas for loose parts and be inspired to create learning experiences that flow between the indoors and outdoors.

Loose Parts - Inspiration for Indoor and Outdoor Play

March 24, 2021
Loose parts are open-ended materials that inspire creativity, imagination, problem-solving and most importantly, child-led play. These materials are real things, not expensive toys we need to purchase with our already limited budgets. In this webinar, Veronica and I will be giving examples of how loose parts can support children’s interests in indoor and outdoor environments. For example… Are children interested in ramps? What can this look like indoors? How can you extend this interest into your outdoor space using different materials? You will leave this session with ideas for loose parts and be inspired to create learning experiences that flow between the indoors and outdoors. This session will also include break-out time to talk in small groups with your colleagues about your experiences with this topic and share inspiration and ideas together. Audience: Early childhood educators and kindergarten teachers.

Supporting Young Children with Diverse Abilities Outside

March 17, 2021
"We can't go to that park because we have a runner." "He can't control his impulses, he can't have a stick." Have you heard these before? I have but I believe ALL children belong outside and benefit from outdoor play and experiences. Is it always easy? No! Is it important? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes. How can we support all children outdoors? This question guides this panel discussion. We have brought together 3 experts to share their insights, experiences, and tips on working with children with diverse abilities in an outdoor setting. They will address the value of outdoor experiences, misconceptions about children with diverse abilities, and practical strategies and tips to make outdoor play a reality for all the children you work with. And of course, their real-life stories will inspire you! This session will include break-out time to talk in small groups with your colleagues about your experiences with this topic and share inspiration and ideas together. Audience: The content of this webinar will apply to early childhood educators and teachers working with K-Gr.3 students.

The Tea Project: Tea Gardens & Mindfulness for Educators

February 8, 2021 to June 12, 2021
34 Grist Mill Place
Marshfield, VT 05658
 The Tea Project: Designing, Planting and Caring for a Perennial Tea Garden, is designed for educators who are passionate about bringing nature, biology, routines for empowerment, social emotional learning and social justice into the daily classroom routine. Enroll now to learn the unique curriculum immersion of science observation skills and practices through the lens of the plant cycle and mindfulness. This course is virtual and meets once weekly in a synchronous session. Learn more about The Tea Project here: https://www.luna-root.com/the-tea-project. Contact: Angie Barger at [email protected] or (802) 595-2512, Registration link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JBJ7P7C .

Nature-Based Teacher Certification

February 2, 2021 to March 12, 2021
Online
 We are thrilled to offer a five-day Nature-based Teacher Certification! This 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. 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. Learn more about each level of certification below. REGISTRATION OPTIONS There are two options to attend the level 1 NBTC course: you can join us in person for a five-day training experience (June 28-July 2, 2021 in Baltimore, MD or July 19-23 in Toledo, OH) or register for a six-week online course. Please note that the online course is designed like an interactive college course and requires real-time participation. This is not a pre-recorded 'on demand' class - you get to network with others as you learn. Visit www.erafans.org/teacher-certification for more details.

Nature Connection Practices

February 2, 2021 to March 29, 2021
Online
 This course develops core routines, which are habits that help us draw closer to nature. As teachers and outdoor guides, we must nurture our relationship with and as part of the natural world to better help children do the same. This course takes inspiration from Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature by Jon Young, Ellen Haas, and Evan McGown (2010). We share a seasonal journey integrating core routines and nature connection practices in our own lives, complemented by suggestions for sharing core routines with young children. Be prepared for self-directed experiences you will do outdoors between class meetings. CLASS MEETINGS Mondays from Feb. 22 through March 29, 2021 from 7-9 p.m. (see schedule below). FLOW OF CLASS SCHEDULE Each class is a mini-retreat! The format of this interactive course is a combination of facilitated discussion, work in a smaller cohort of teachers, and asynchronous independent learning experiences. -Facilitated topics centered on core routines -Outside experiences/break -Cohort discussions and small group experiences -Reflection and closing stories There is a total of 12 hours direct learning through six (6) online sessions with course instructor and within small cohorts. Additional self-directed learning will take place centered on topics we discuss as a group. Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course.

Outdoor Preschool Teacher Series

January 19, 2021 to March 16, 2021
Online
 This seasonal series is packed with practical approaches to help teachers take learning outside. Join experienced practitioners from the Eastern Ridge School in Great Falls, Virginia during this inspiring (and useful!) virtual series. Classes will meet on third Tuesdays, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, and Mar. 16. Read on for detailed session descriptions. A professional development certificate will be awarded at the conclusion of the series. Tuesday, January 19, 2021 from 7-8:30PM (EST) Bring it On! Embracing the Weather as a Teaching Tool So you are all geared up in your new waterproof anorak and your preschoolers and their families are prepared for countless days outside, but does the reality of teaching in the rain still make you feel like casting your morals aside and calling in sick? You are not alone, but you do have a choice. Do not let the rain wash out a great opportunity for learning what the new day provides. Instead, let the weather define the moment and shape your curriculum. This workshop will show how rain, snow, wind, cold, and heat can guide your curriculum. Let go, lean in, and learn some best practices for teaching in challenging inclement weather conditions. Tuesday, February 16, 2021 from 7-8:30PM (EST) Backpacks and Back Pockets: Essentials for the Outdoor Early Childhood Educator Along with new COVID-19 protocols, preschool teachers these days are facing other significant challenges as they take their programs outside for the first time. We are not talking about curriculum here. Taught by a team who has been there, this unique workshop was developed with practical challenges in mind. We are talking about how it feels to lead preschoolers in a project outside with a smile on your face as rain seeps into your boots. Learn how to prepare yourself with not only practical ideas for your own gear, but also some tricks in your back pocket for the most challenging of outdoor moments. Tuesday, March 16, 2021 from 7-8:30PM (EST) The Capable Kid: Putting Kids to Work Our industrious preschoolers are ready and willing to work, and want to feel that the work they do is valuable. As outdoor educators, we need to find ways of providing learning opportunities no matter the weather. During this online workshop, we will look at some meaningful outdoor jobs that children enjoy and we will look at ways of quantifying the learning that goes on while kids are hard at work. We will cover practical tips and takeaways that you may use in your own program, including an opportunity to discuss and share best practices with other industry professionals. If you are new to teaching outdoors or are looking for fresh ideas, this workshop is for you.

Forest and Nature Preschool Bootcamp

January 12, 2021 to January 26, 2021
Online
 If you are starting a new forest or nature preschool program this fall (including childcare and home school classes), our intensive 12-clock hour Forest and Nature Preschool Bootcamp can help you get started! We address a range of topics including: -Honing your vision, mission, and educational philosophy -Establishing program basics like daily rhythm, class sizes, schedules -Business planning/determining a business structure -Locations and partners -Licensing considerations -How to set tuition, compensate staff, and create a program budget -Policies and practices for your parent handbook -Creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in your program -Safety and risk management, including liability insurance needs -Finding and hiring great staff -Marketing your program -Evaluation Your course facilitator is Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, director of ERAFANS, founder/cofounder of three nature preschool programs in Maryland, coauthor of award-winning Nature Play Workshop for Families, and consultant to countless others starting forest and nature schools in the U.S. and abroad. Guest presenters will also share perspectives for select topics during the three-day course. The format of this interactive course is a combination of facilitated discussion, small group work among participants, and asynchronous independent learning experiences. As you might imagine, this is an intense course because we cover so much ground in a short span of time. You will want to plan time between our sessions to consider what we discuss. Please note this is not a prerecorded, on demand course. It is interactive so we can learn together! Are you ready to take the leap? Visit http://www.erafans.org/event-4055789 for details.

The Resourced Teacher: Mindfulness, Self-Care, and Trauma-Informed Teaching

January 9, 2021 to February 20, 2021
Online
 The Resourced Teacher series offers ready-to-implement tools to feel fully nourished and show up every day for our important work and purpose. As teachers, we spend so much time caring for others and other people’s children. Learning how to care for ourselves, how to make time without feeling guilty, and also what to do during that time is essential. We will learn and practice tools that you can use for yourself, as well as in your classroom. Learning how to regulate ourselves is just as important as learning how to spot disregulation due to trauma and empowering our students to do the same. These sessions will combine learning and discussing in front of the screen with movement and mindfulness practices. You will also be asked to keep a journal during this program, about 5-10 minutes every day. CLASS MEETINGS Saturdays, Jan. 9, 16, 30, Feb. 7, 13, and 20. (Note: one date falls on Sunday, Feb. 7). Each class meets for 1.5 hours between 9-10:30 a.m. for a total of 9 clock hours.

Inspiring Green Behavior Change with Remote Learning Activities

December 5, 2020
Remote learning has become the new norm and we want to help you engage students with simple ways to take actions that address the environmental challenges facing our planet. In this session you will participate and learn how to facilitate five engaging remote learning activities that stimulate critical thinking around sustainable solutions. Before the session, you’ll receive write-ups with the list of supplies, instructions, and other resources you’ll need to lead these hands-on activities around sustainability topics like gardening, composting, waste, water, and energy conservation. Together we will facilitate each activity and share ideas on how you can use them to inspire green behavior change in the youth and adults you work with. Presenter: Danny Sudman, Green Camps Founder This is a part of the Fall Webinar Series from AEOE, the California affiliate for NAAEE.

Early Childhood Education in the Outdoors

November 21, 2020
Focused on developmentally appropriate activities to engage Earth's littlest learners in outdoor education experiences. Facilitated by Sarah Foglesong. Research shows that experiences in early childhood (birth through age 8) play significant roles in individuals' development of ecological identities and positive environmental behavior. But what do you DO with Earth's littlest learners to support that development? Join this workshop to explore what developmentally appropriate outdoor environmental education looks like for this age group and learn some simple activities you can start using right away! This is a part of the Fall Webinar Series from AEOE, the California affiliate of NAAEE.

Webinar: Winter play in the early years

November 18, 2020
Join Dr. Beverlie Dietze for this on-line session. Children’s outdoor play in the winter is magical. The more they run, jump, slide, climb and experiment with rain, snow, ice, and frost, the more opportunities they have to embrace the beauty of the season. Outdoor play in the winter inspires children to become explorers and discovers of many things such as animal tracks, what makes crunching sounds, and how snowflakes and snow feel on mittens and tongues. This session will provide practical ideas for making outdoor play magical in the winter and highlights how math, science, language, physical literacy, and dramatic play is inherent in winter play. Who should attend? This 2-hour session is for early childhood educators interested in creating engaging winter outdoor play experiences. When? We are offering this session at two different times to reach as many early childhood educators as we can! Wednesday November 18, 2020 4:30pm – 6:30pm MST Cost: $12.00 + GST

Webinar: Winter play in the early years

November 16, 2020
Join Dr. Beverlie Dietze for this on-line session. Children’s outdoor play in the winter is magical. The more they run, jump, slide, climb and experiment with rain, snow, ice, and frost, the more opportunities they have to embrace the beauty of the season. Outdoor play in the winter inspires children to become explorers and discovers of many things such as animal tracks, what makes crunching sounds, and how snowflakes and snow feel on mittens and tongues. This session will provide practical ideas for making outdoor play magical in the winter and highlights how math, science, language, physical literacy, and dramatic play is inherent in winter play. Who should attend? This 2-hour session is for early childhood educators interested in creating engaging winter outdoor play experiences. When? We are offering this session at two different times to reach as many early childhood educators as we can! Monday November 16, 2020 7:00pm – 9:00pm MST Wednesday November 18, 2020 4:30pm – 6:30pm MST Cost: $12.00 + GST

Appalachian Green Teachers Conference 2020

October 27, 2020 to November 22, 2020
Trimble, OH 45782
 Join other nature-loving educators in Ohio and Central Appalachia for workshops that will inspire you, give you new strategies and activities, and teach about local ecological topics. Sessions run from Oct 27 to Nov 22 mostly on Zoom, with four small-group outdoor excursions available. The conference is for all ages, but the following sessions focus on early childhood: -The Big Map-out! Oct. 30, 3pm -Aldo Leopold and Phenology, Nov. 11, 5pm -The Magic of Mud Play! Nov 16, 2pm Learn more and register at ruralaction.org/eeconference

Mental Health - Pandemic Trauma Training for Educators

October 24, 2020
Learn practical responses to signs and symptoms of trauma with students in classrooms and outdoor education settings. Gain strategies for having difficult conversations to support students and get helpful hints for formal and nonformal educators. Facilitated by Sona Klimowicz from LUK, Inc. This is part of the Fall Webinar Series being provided by AEOE, the California affiliate of NAAEE.

Early Childhood Health Outdoors Annual Summit: Outdoors For All

October 23, 2020 to October 24, 2020
Webinar: Zoom
 Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic it’s no surprise this year’s annual ECHO Summit is going to look just a little different! But not to worry, we’re back October 23-24, 2020 for our fourth annual summit (virtual edition) with a renewed energy to bring the best experience to attendees. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), spending more time outdoors is one of the highest priority strategies for reducing transmission of COVID-19 among younger children. However not every child or family has access to safe, high-quality spaces for young kids to spend time and get outside. All children deserve the opportunity to explore the outdoors and reap the benefits of time in nature, which is why this year’s ECHO Summit theme: Outdoors for All will explore the strategies and opportunities for making this possible.

Virtual Global FS Leader Roundtable

October 10, 2020
Join us for a free Zoom Roundtable, with Forest Leaders from around the globe. 12:30 PM -1:30 PM ET Visit the link to learn about the panelists and you will find the link to the free tickets.

Into the Woods FSTI Fall Leadership Retreat

October 10, 2020
3408 Elder Mountain Rd.
Chattanooga, TN 37419
 Join colleagues from around the world for our 2020 FSTI Leadership Retreat. Come be inspired in person or from the comfort of your own home. We will relax, reflect and reconnect in this magical place, tucked in a valley between Raccoon and Lookout Mountains. Enjoy a day immersed in nature, amidst woods, meadows, lake and creek, at the birthplace of Wauhatchie School. Facilitators include a team of expert naturalists and educators, led by Dr. Jean Lomino, Founder and Director of Forest School Teacher Institute. Activities: Participant FS Reports Nature-based Mindfulness Practices Trees and Tree Dwellers FS Global Roundtable The Nature of Art In-Person: $75.00 (Limited to 20 participants) • All activities held outdoors with social distancing (and occasional mask-wearing) • Participants will bring their own lunches, snacks and drinks Zoom: $45.00 (Limited to 100 participants) • Most activities will be live by zoom, with some recorded sessions to view later

Virtual Getting Little Feet WET Professional Development

October 7, 2020
Developed specifically for teachers working with young children (ages 3-6) in coordination with early childhood experts and educators, Getting Little Feet Wet is Project WET’s early childhood curriculum. Getting Little Feet Wet contains 11 interactive, hands-on activities for young learners to explore different aspects of water—from water properties to water sounds. Each activity offers both Pre-K and K-2 options and is correlated to respective educational standards and will focus on our changing climate. $15 fee includes Getting Little Feet WET curriculum guide, Water We Singing About CD, additional resources, Fundana, and ACT 48 and PQAS hours if applicable (or certificate of completion). Resources will be MAILED to participants after completing the workshop. This workshop is offered at a reduced cost thanks to cosponsored grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Supporting Children Outdoors: Tips and Tricks from a Nature Play Professional

October 3, 2020
This interactive workshop will help to guide you in how to support your young learners in connecting to the natural world. We will discuss what nature play can look like, provide supportive tips on how to get started and offer ideas for hands on tools to bring outside to inspire nature play. This workshop is perfect for a nature based educators and caregivers of young learners. Important disclaimer: this will be a recorded workshop, so you can watch anytime that works best for you.