Nature/Outdoor Education in Early Childhood Community of Practice Sylvia Kennedy-Godin June 20, 2019

Explore the benefits and challenges of incorporating more nature based play and outdoor education in your early childhood program. Join other educators who recognize the value of children being outside with time and space to fully engage with the natural world, no matter what the setting! Participants are invited to these interactive sessions where they can experience more nature themselves with short hikes that focus on respect for nature by noticing signs of wildlife, trees and plants, habitats, etc. These are followed by facilitated discussions on both the challenges to expanding nature offerings and the positive experiences that reinforce our commitment to carve out time and space to foster this sense of wonder for the children in our care. Objectives: 1. Identify your own values around nature based play and how those values are reflected in your work with children in your care now. 2. Recognize your own obstacles to offering more outdoor learning experiences and identify their origin if possible. 3. Develop 2 strategies for incorporating more outdoor education into your program. This training is appropriate for infant/toddler and preschool teachers and the care givers who support them.