Check back for details for the 2013 conference!
In the meantime, check out the resources and links from the 2012 event.
Thanks for a great day! Here are a few links to some of the resources we used.
Video (in 2 parts) David Sobel, “Why 21st Century Kids Need Nature”
David Sobel’s Powerpoint, “Why 21st Century Kids Need Nature”
Forest Kindergarten Pingtung Taiwan
CederSong “Preschool in the Forest”
Ginny Sullivan’s “Lens on Outdoor Learning”
What?
What would happen if the young child went forth some part of every day, forth into the nearby natural world, into the woods and meadows, along paths and streams, in rain or shine, tromping though mud and snow. Would it make a difference in her learning, her health, her happiness? YES! say teachers of nature pre-schools and forest kindergartens. After flourishing in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, throughout Europe and even cropping up in Asia, nature pre-schools and forest kindergartens are taking root throughout New England. Come hear what’s happening out there.
Who?
All early childhood and early elementary parents, teachers, outdoor educators and administrators with an interest in connecting children to the natural world on a regular basis are invited.
Why?
One parent at a forest kindergarten in Maine recently said, “ “I’m in tears most days. It is really amazing stuff.” Amazing stuff is going on in nature pre-schools and forest kindergartens across northern New England and New York. And research from European schools suggests that children who are spending a chunk of each day outdoors in school programs have increased motor development, better language development and get sick less often. Research in place-based elementary schools in the United States indicates increased academic achievement for students. How can we make these opportunities available for more children?
When and Where?
Come spend the day with us from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Wednesday, May 16 2012 at Antioch University New England. We’ll spend time indoors and outdoors, listening and doing, thinking and playing. We’ll take local field trips to Sophia’s Hearth Family Center and other local educational sites. And we’ll take full advantage of the intimate green spaces in our nearby neighborhood. Lunch will be provided. Outdoors clothes, suitable for sitting on the ground, are recommended.
Presentors:
(A tentative list…)
Amy Friedland, Facilitator of the Wonder of the Woods program at Sophia’s Hearth Family Center, Keene, NH.
Ron Labrusciano, Core Faculty in ANE Education Department and board member at KidsPLAYce in Brattleboro, VT.
Jane Miller, Director of Teacher Certification Programs in ANE Education Department and past director of the Price Farm School in Antrim, NH.
David Sobel, Senior Faculty at Antioch University New England and author of, Childhood and Nature: Design Principles for Educators.
Susie Spikol, Outdoor Education Coordinator at the Harris Center for Conservation and director of their young children and parents programs.
Anne Stires, Director of Juniper Hill School for Place-based Education in Alna, ME.
Virginia Sullivan, Chair of Board of Conway School of Landscape Architecture and co-author of Lens on Outdoor Learning.
Susan Weber, Director of Sophia’s Hearth Family Center in Keene, NH.
Structure of the Day
9:00 to 10:00
Invocation and Opening Talk, (indoors)
Why 21st Century Children Need Nature with David Sobel
10:15 to 12:00
Field Trips and Workshops (outdoors)
Wonder of the Woods: Family walk with Amy Friedland
Young Children Outdoors: at Sophia’s Hearth with Susan Weber
Movement and Dance: Play party games with Jane Miller
12:00 to 1:00
Finding/Making Special Places and Lunch, (outdoors)
1:00 to 2:00
Thinking about Outdoor Spaces (indoors)
Lens on Outdoor Learning with Virginia Sullivan
2:00 to 3:45
Field Trips and Workshops (outdoors)
A Day in the Life of Juniper Hill with Anne Stires
Babes in Backpacks, Tots in Tow with Susie Spikol
Nature Crafts for Young Children with Ron Labrusciano
3:45 to 4:00
Closing Ritual with Anne Stires (outdoors)
9:00am – 4:00 pm
Where?
Antioch University New England
