ECO Institute for Early Childhood Educators Sylvia Kennedy-Godin June 13, 2019

The ECO Institute for Early Childhood Educators is a week-long course for teachers, assistants, directors, and home visitors. The Institute is inquiry-based, outdoor learning through intensive experiential lessons, activities, and discussions. Participants will move beyond the classroom and engage with nature as a learning partner. Participants will develop a nature pedagogy and learn to incorporate VELS into their design of nature immersion curricula. This course introduces participants to the core routines that structure a successful outdoor learning and play experience. Participants will: Learn outdoor classroom management skills, how to conduct risk benefit assessments, and manage hazards within an outdoor classroom space. Explore foundational math and literacy skill development in nature with nature. Learn how to partner with the natural world to bring the curriculum outdoors and nature indoors while meeting Vermont Early Learning Standards. Develop a knowledge base and skill set to incorporate nature immersion into your program in a way that meets the needs of your students.