 Nature Preschool Conference
Fri. and Sat., June 8-9, 2012
Nature-based preschools are re-focusing the lens on early childhood environmental education. Join us for the first annual conference to address the unique benefits and challenges of nature-based curriculum in early childhood programs.
Presenters include highly acclaimed author and educator David Sobel, who will give the keynote address and a workshop.
Preschool educators and administrators will connect to discover and share activities, insight and best practices. Topics include:
- Nature-based curriculum and program development
- Meaningful live animal lessons indoors and out
- Creative arts and nature activities
- The role of natural play spaces and encounters in nature
See the full conference schedule, download the conference brochure or download more registration forms.
friday KEYNOTE
Cultivating the Wonder of Nature in Childhood
David Sobel, Antioch University
William Wordsworth suggested that the natural world is "appareled with celestial light" in childhood. By this he means that nature is perceived differently by children than by adults. Furthermore, Sobel believes that there is a critical period in middle childhood when children are biologically programmed to bond with the natural world. If this bonding occurs, it sets the individual on a path of environmental values and commitment. Therefore, parents and educators should take advantage of this openness in childhood and provide frequent opportunities for children to adventurously be at-one in nature. A bit of provocative research, a dash of theory, lots of personal parenting stories and a look at how the parent/child/nature relationship changes from early childhood to middle childhood to adolescence to early adulthood.
FRIDAy Workshops
These interactive workshops provide inspiration for nature-based curriculum in your program. Marty Watson, Director of The Dodge Nature Preschool; Stephanie Bozzo from The Audubon Nature Preschool, as well as Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Director of The Nature Preschool at Irvine will make presentations.
For the Love of Nature: Outdoor Learning at The Nature Preschool
Monica Wiedel-Lubinski and Karen Madigan, The Nature Preschool at Irvine
Take a tour of the Outdoor Classroom and grounds at Irvine to experience how our students learn firsthand. Bring your camera and a sketchbook for activities during our hike. Puddle-jumping and mud pies included!
Growing Life-Long Planetpals: Instilling Earth-Friendly Values at Preschool
Stephanie Bozzo and Katie Rooney, The Audubon Nature Preschool
Learn from the experiences of others! Stephanie and Katie share nature-based curriculum ideas that cover all domains of development. Presenters showcase how The Audubon Nature Preschool educates young children and families about the importance of making choices that protect our health, air, water, land and wildlife. A sampling of age-appropriate, hands-on activities provides opportunities for participants to interact indoors and out. Activities are designed to foster life-long values of eco-consciousness, respect for all living things and each person's responsibility to care for the Earth. You will walk away with loads of lesson plan ideas for your program!
SATURDAY Workshops
These interactive workshops provide inspiration for nature-based curriculum in your program. David Sobel, highly acclaimed author and educator will present a workshop. Marty Watson, Director of The Dodge Nature Preschool; Stephanie Bozzo from The Audubon Nature Preschool, as well as Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Director of The Nature Preschool at Irvine will make presentations.
Program Development Based on Childhood and Nature Design Principles
David Sobel, Antioch University
The seven Children and Nature Design Principles are Special Places, Adventure, Fantasy, Small Worlds, Hunting and Gathering, Animal Allies and Maps and Paths. These principles can be useful in constructing new and innovative approaches to curriculum design in schools or program design for summer and vacation camps, nature center programming and even birthday parties. We’ll look at examples of applying the design principles in school and outside of school. Then we’ll all work on a design challenge—using the design principles to do program design in the local setting. Finally, in small groups, we’ll use the principles to innovate your approach to curriculum or a program you need to design in your personal or professional life.
Creative Arts in Nature Workshop
The Nature Preschool at Irvine and Dodge Nature Preschool
This make-and-take workshop features dozens of art project ideas that reinforce learning. Take photos of your favorites and make a few to take back to your preschool!
The Teacher and Child: Building Curriculum Together
Marty Watson, Dodge Nature Preschool at The Dodge Nature Center
Marty Watson will share the impact of the Reggio Emilia approach when paired with nature-based curriculum. Learning unfolds as teacher and students collaborate, which fosters enriching growth and development opportunities for both. Marty shares activities of this cooperative approach from The Dodge Nature Preschool.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Early Morning Yoga
Jen Walker
Take in the serenity at Irvine during this peaceful outdoor yoga class. Jen will share yoga poses and techniques that students at The Nature Preschool learn as well.
Lunch with the Animals
Sophie Gerard and Steve Mickletz, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and Irvine Nature Center
Live animals are an integral component to learning at Irvine Nature Center. Meet some of our wild friends and discover a few ways students learn from them as Sophie and Steve make their rounds during lunch.
Accomodations
- Camp out! For $25, please join us at Irvine for an overnight campout. Bring a tent, or borrow one from us.
- Stay nearby. Irvine has blocked off a group of rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn, about 3 miles from us in Owings Mills. They offer a convienent shuttle service that can bring you to Irvine either day of the conference.
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