Connecting Children with Nature: A Practical Workshop for Educators

Join Daniel Burton from Educated by Nature (Australia) and Cameron Sprague from Stramash Outdoor nurseries (Scotland) for an immersive full-day workshop designed for elementary school and early childhood educators. This course delves into the concept of nature connection, exploring its significance and practical application in educational settings. 

The workshop will offer a balanced mix of theoretical insights and hands-on activities, enabling participants to grasp the importance of nature connection in fostering children's development. Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, educators will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and the benefits of learning through outdoor play.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore various strategies for integrating nature into their teaching practices. They will learn how to create meaningful outdoor learning experiences that go beyond simply planting seeds in a garden. By the end of the day, attendees will feel more confident and empowered to incorporate nature-based activities into their curriculum, promoting holistic development in children.

This workshop aims to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to foster a stronger bond between children and the natural world. Participants will leave with practical ideas and a renewed enthusiasm for outdoor education, ready to inspire their students to explore, learn, and grow in nature.

Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your teaching practice and inspire a love of nature in your students!

Key Takeaways
•  Understanding the principles of nature play and nature connection and its impact on child development.
•  Develop practical methods for incorporating nature-based activities into educational settings.
•  Confidence in utilizing outdoor spaces for learning and play.
•  Strategies for fostering a deeper connection between children and the natural environment.

Details
Cost: USD $100 a ticket 
Date: 25th September 2024
Time: 9.30am – 2.30pm
Food: BYO lunch, Light refreshments provided
Venue: The Children's Museum of the Upstate, Greenville, South Carolina

This workshop is a pre-event for the IPA USA conference on the 25th - 28th of September. Conference tickets purchased separately.

Cameron Sprague

https://stramash.org.uk

Cameron emigrated to the U.K. following completing his BSc in Outdoor and Environmental Education in 2007 from Northern Vermont University.  Cameron worked  at the Child Development Centre on campus throughout his studies and this led him taking his outdoor learning foundation to the Early Years both in England and Scotland.  Establishing an immersive outdoor nursery in Fort William, Scotland as part of Stramash in 2014, Cameron has blended his Outdoor Ed and Early Years knowledge to develop a child-led, community driven Early education centre that blends relationships with staff, children, families, and place.  Cameron now acts as head of Quality & Training for Stramash bringing training and consultation support to other Early Year establishments both close to home and further afield.

Daniel Burton

www.educatedbynature.com

Daniel is the CEO and co-founder of Educated by Nature, a world leader in play-based nature education since its establishment in 2014. With a background as a qualified primary school teacher, education consultant, rites of passage facilitator, musical theatre artist and passionate nature connection mentor, Daniel plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's vision and initiatives.

Drawing from over ten years of experience working with thousands of Australian children, Educated by Nature has developed a suite of research-based pedagogies aimed at bringing education outdoors and has gained international acclaim for its innovative approach to outdoor learning. Daniel aims to be a thought leader, sharing expertise through workshops, speaking engagements, and consultation sessions in Australia and further afield.

Daniel's passion for nature and commitment to holistic education shines through in his work. He combines current research with practical examples, drawing on a lifetime of learning and experience to provide comprehensive programs and transformative experiences for educators, parents, and children alike. Through Educated by Nature, Daniel continues to advocate for the importance of play and outdoor learning, empowering individuals to explore, discover, and thrive in nature's classroom.