Play is the Way: Nature-Based Play for Early Childhood Educators

Join us on June 16th for a workshop centering nature-based play in early childhood education. This event is brough to you through a collaboration between Northeastern City and Community Engagement, Boston Outdoor Preschool Network, and Northeastern Human Services.

This hands-on training will empower educators to strengthen their practice in nature- and play-based settings. Participants will learn to conduct benefit-risk assessments to support safe, meaningful outdoor play and explore intentional observation and documentation practices that make children’s learning visible. We will define the essential roles of adults as playworkers, facilitators, and observers while also learning practices that promote choice, autonomy, self-directed learning, and holistic development through play. Using a responsive planning approach, we will connect emergent play to early learning standards and communicate children’s progress to families and stakeholders.

By deepening our understanding and practice of child-led play as essential to children’s health, learning and development, we enrich our relationships with children and families, support the holistic development of children, and build confidence in advocating for the power of nature- and play-based education.

The workshop will be run by Outdoor Learning Consultants Susan Chlebowski and Ade Hofmann. Susan Chlebowski is a certified playworker and forest school leader, and Ade Hofmann is the founder and director of Nature Play All Day. We look forward to showcasing their expertise through this workshop!

This event will take place at 716 Columbus Ave, in Northeastern's Alumni Center on the 6th floor. The workshop starts at 1:30 PM, and the reception will begin at 5 PM.

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