NATURE-BASED EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM

WITH ELIZA MINNUCCI

course # EDC-5090

Takes place in-person at Glover’s Ledge, Langdon, NH.

July 12th - 16th • 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.ET  

~ Summer 2021 • Access to Acres of Woods ~

Nature preschools, forest kindergartens and immersive outdoor elementary programs have a unique approach to curriculum, different than conventional indoor early childhood centers. This course will focus on the distinctive elements of outdoor programming for children aged three to eight. Topics will include the value of unstructured play, fostering independence, nature and language development, the balance of indoors and outdoors experience, interfacing with the conventional elementary curriculum in literacy, math and science, and connections to the community.

RISK MANAGEMENT FOR NATURE-BASED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

WITH ANNE STIRES

course # EDP-5620

Takes place in-person at Glover’s Ledge, Langdon, NH.

July 19th - 23rd • 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.ET

Children enjoy learning that is challenging and adventurous, where they can reach beyond their abilities and test themselves. Nature readily provides such experiences. Being outdoors with children in all kinds of weather requires another level of risk management beyond fire drills and correct hand washing instructions, and teachers must prepare to provide it. Topics that will be considered in this course include: hazard identification, appropriate planning for risk, what kinds of risky play to allow and which to discourage, and research on the relationship between nature play and overall health and development. The course will include opportunities to observe a nature-based early childhood program in action.

NATURE-BASED EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM

WITH ELIZA MINNUCCI

course # EDC-5090

Takes place online.

Asynchronous: 09/05/21-10/23/21

Synchronous Sundays: Septebmer 12th, September 19th, SEptember 26th, october 3rd & October 10th • 4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.ET 

~ Fall 2021 • Suburban / Urban Applications ~

Nature preschools, forest kindergartens and immersive outdoor elementary programs have a unique approach to curriculum, different than conventional indoor early childhood centers. This course will focus on the distinctive elements of outdoor programming for children aged three to eight. Topics will include the value of unstructured play, fostering independence, nature and language development, the balance of indoors and outdoors experience, interfacing with the conventional elementary curriculum in literacy, math and science, and connections to the community.

Natural history for early childhood

WITH ellen doris & David sobel

course # EDC-5030

Takes place in-person at Antioch University New England, Keene, NH.

September 18th & 19th • 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.ET

The best forest kindergarten and nature-based preschool teachers are knowledgeable about young children and local natural history. This course will focus on learning the natural history of northern New England that most directly relates to being outdoors with children. Wildflowers, fungi, bugs and tadpoles are some of the topics considered, along with nature art, tracking, wild edibles, and using childrens literature as a vehicle to nature exploration. Seasonal events of autumn will serve as a model for how to discover nature’s surprises at any time of year. We’ll be outside regardless of the weather, and discuss ways to keep children engaged under cold and/or wet conditions.

Natural history for early childhood

WITH ellen doris

course # EDC-5030

Takes place online.

Asynchronous: September 11th - October 24th • TBD

The best forest kindergarten and nature-based preschool teachers are knowledgeable about young children and local natural history. This course will focus on learning the natural history of northern New England that most directly relates to being outdoors with children. Wildflowers, fungi, bugs and tadpoles are some of the topics considered, along with nature art, tracking, wild edibles, and using childrens literature as a vehicle to nature exploration. Seasonal events of autumn will serve as a model for how to discover nature’s surprises at any time of year. We’ll be outside regardless of the weather, and discuss ways to keep children engaged under cold and/or wet conditions.

LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS & DESIGN FOR NATURE PLAY

WITH NANCY STRINISTE

course # EDT-5100

Takes place online.

Asynchronous: 10/02/21-10/18/21

Synchronous: Saturday, October 16th & Sunday, October 17th • 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.ET & Monday, Oct. 18th • 3:00-5:00p.m.ET 

This course focuses on how outdoor spaces can contribute to early childhood education. It uses site assessment, analysis and schematic design as tools to reveal the potential of a location for a nature-based early childhood program. Students will engage in a hands-on sequence of exploration together, imagining how an actual outdoor space can be transformed by using and modifying the existing landscape. Each student will apply understanding through creating a schematic design. Learn how to use boundaries, pathways, and destinations to support play and learning, how experiences in nature can support early childhood learning standards, and deepen your understanding of your role as teacher.

NATURE-BASED LEADERSHIP: APPLYING NATURE LESSONS TO LEADERSHIP & LIFE

WITH CHERYL CHARLES

October • To be determined

This interdisciplinary course provides an overview of and immersion in the emerging field of nature-based leadership. In a world in which people are increasingly disconnected from the healthy, generative and renewing ways of nature, this course offers a framework and strategies by which to apply nature’s lessons to enhance your life and career. Nature-based leadership is inherently collaborative. It differs significantly from current mechanistic and hierarchical leadership models and is a way forward to restore a healthy and dynamic balance between people and nature. The course recognizes and builds on contributions from ecology, indigenous wisdom, environmental studies, systems theory, complexity, biomimicry, eco-psychology, conservation psychology, and place-based education.

MOVEMENT & STORYTELLING IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSROOM

WITH CARLA BEEBE COMEY

course # EDC-6650

Takes place online.

Asynchronous: 10/23/21 - 12/04/21

Synchronous: Saturday, november 13th & sunday, november 14th • 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.ET

Young children are natural storytellers, making sense of the world through imaginative, dramatic play. Young children are also inclined to move! They explore their surroundings and express ideas and feelings with their bodies. This course highlights the importance of story and motion in children’s daily lives and focuses on ways to use storytelling, story acting, and creative movement to enrich the early childhood classroom.

RISK MANAGEMENT FOR NATURE-BASED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

WITH ANNE STIRES

course # EDP-5620

Takes place online.

Asynchronous: 10/24/21 - 12/18/21

Synchronous Tuesdays: 10/26, 11/09, 11/23, 12/07 • 6:30 -8:00p.m.ET

Children enjoy learning that is challenging and adventurous, where they can reach beyond their abilities and test themselves. Nature readily provides such experiences. Being outdoors with children in all kinds of weather requires another level of risk management beyond fire drills and correct hand washing instructions, and teachers must prepare to provide it. Topics that will be considered in this course include: hazard identification, appropriate planning for risk, what kinds of risky play to allow and which to discourage, and research on the relationship between nature play and overall health and development. The course will include opportunities to observe a nature-based early childhood program in action.

BUSINESS PLANNING FOR Nature PRESCHOOLS & FOREST KINDERGARTENs

WITH anne stires

course # EDP-5600

Winter 2022 - Dates TBD

Starting a nature-based early childhood program requires business savvy and financial planning. This course will address the nitty-gritty planning necessary to get a program up and running. We’ll focus on the creation of business plans, including simple market analyses, promotion, site and facility needs, staffing requirements and options, the crucial income and expense projections, fundraising options and basic risk management issues. Participants will draft a three-year budget for their operation, rough out a promotional flyer and/or website, and prepare and practice persuasive verbal descriptions and “sales pitches” for their school. We’ll allocate plenty of time to share your own experiences and ideas.

NATURAL HISTORY FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD: TEACHING IN WINTER

WITH ANNE STIRES

course # ED-5610

Winter 2022 - Dates TBD

WORKING WITH FAMILIES & COMMUNITY

WITH LIZA LOWE

course # EDP-5580

Spring 2022 - Dates TBD

Nature preschools and forest kindergartens are special kinds of places, different from conventional early childhood programs. Parents, caretakers and community members who may not be familiar with the aims and practices of nature-based programs can benefit from education. Families may need to be prepared to provide appropriate outdoor clothing, do regular tick checks, and think about children’s learning in new ways. They may also be called on to volunteer in the school and to help with promotion and fundraising. We’ll consider how to partner with families to forge links to the wider community. Communication is central to our work: we’ll hone our skills as we participate in mock parent conferences, examine and create materials that describe programs to families, and practice working with parents who have questions or concerns.