ECE Workshop: Environment & Classroom Design
Connections to Nature
How do you support connections to nature in early years programs? Explore hands-on learning opportunities inspired by nature that can be created within your own program space. Discover how providing positive experiences for children in nature can have an effect on their overall development.
Workshop Hosted By
Julie Hansen
Early Childhood Educator, Consultant, and Author
The Reasons Why
Natural Environments That Engage Our Senses
- Some of your fondest childhood memories may be of times spent in nature looking for bugs, going on a crab hunt at the beach, building forts with logs, making mud pies or creating your own magic potion with twigs, leaves and flowers. Can you recall how natural surroundings supported your development as a young child?
Bringing The Outside Indoors
- The indoor space would be reflective of the outdoor natural setting as well as the cultural environment
- Blurring the line between indoor and outdoor space to create a connection to nature and our community
- The indoor learning environment reflects the values and philosophy of the program
Inquiry Based Learning in Nature
- Nature provides inquiry based learning and emergent curriculum opportunities for children. Experiences that encourage discovery, exploration and wonder.
Presentation of Materials
- The Presentation of materials makes a difference of how children may or may not resound to them
- Are they esthetically pleasing?
- Is the arrangement of the material orderly?
- Does it suggest possibilities for use?
- Baskets, mats, child safe mirrors, wood rounds and or wooden boards can define spaces
- Avoid the cluttering effect. Offer sets of materials that match
- Try offering items at different heights by propping trays and platforms for children to work
