This three-part series is packed with practical approaches to help refresh winter teaching practices here at the start of a new year! Join experienced practitioners during this inspiring (and useful!) virtual series. Classes will meet on January 27th, February 24th, and March 24th. Read on for detailed descriptions of each session! 

Purchase the whole series at a discount or select individual sessions that work best for you!  

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

Monday, January 27th from 7-8:00 PM (EST) [1hr]
Chilly Childcare Cheer: Cold Weather Activities with Infants to Five-year-olds

Presented by Anne Berardi of Berardi Family Farm Childcare

Brrr, winter is upon us. Now what? Staying inside all winter is not an option for little explorers so we need to get creative. There are so many options for sensory experiences, social-emotional learning, small and large motor growth, cognitive and STEAM opportunities waiting just outside your doorstep--yes, even in these cold winter months! Comfort and accessibility is also an important consideration for these preparations as we want our little ones to enjoy their time outside so that they grow to develop a love of our Earth in all of her seasons. So, join us for an evening of inspiration for winter weather activities that will spark the curiosity of young learners!

Monday, February 24th from 7-9 PM (EST) [2hrs]
Wilderness Mental Health First Aid

Presented by Nicole Thurrell of WildMed

In this highly engaging workshop, you will come to understand the various unsettled states of nervous system activation that children and adults alike can experience in and out of the field. You will walk away with a toolkit of techniques for prevention and stabilization that are appropriate to each respective state of activation.

Monday, March 24th from 7-8 PM (EST) [1 hr]
Songs for Season's Change

Presented by Sara Ernst of Wild Pickle Press

Take a musical journey from the hibernation of winter into the abundance of spring! Learn what a crucial role music can play in helping to encourage a deeper love of nature and enjoy fresh and fun resources to use with children both in and out of the "classroom." You'll walk away feeling ready for the change in seasons and with an extra spark of curiosity and appreciation for nature.

Includes a FREE album giveaway* for one lucky participant!

*Only eligible for giveaway if shipping within the continental U.S.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This course is ideal for anyone who facilitates nature-based education and outdoor learning, which may include: teachers and administrators in preschool, childcare, or elementary school settings; naturalists, environmental educators, or outdoor educators; wilderness survival enthusiasts; and parents.

MEET YOUR PRESENTERS

Anne Berardi of Berardi Family Farm Childcare

Anne is a mother of two adult sons and owner and founder of Berardi Family Farm Childcare in Georgetown MA. She has been providing licensed childcare in her home for over thirty-one years. She began providing childcare to be home with her kids when they were young. Anne has always enjoyed being outdoors with her daycare, growing gardens and raising chickens, using Nature as their guide, but the pandemic pushed their day-to-day primarily outdoors. She researched and adapted her space so that eating and napping outdoors could be possible even with the youngest of children. Children under her care range from 3 months to 5 years.

Nicole Thurrell of WildMed

Recipient of the Massachusetts Award for Excellence in Science Education, Nicole is a passionate educator who loves turning people on to strategies for caring more skillfully for their fellow human beings. She has degrees in Psychology and Recreation Therapy from the University of North Carolina and has been a Wilderness EMT since 2001. Nicole has decades of experience working in many aspects of wilderness therapy, including expedition leader, health director, and director of admissions. Whether it was leading adventures on the water, on land, or in the air, Nicole has done it all. She has been an adventure racer, a raft guide, high ropes facilitator, a clinician for kids with Autism, a Waldorf high school teacher, a pre-school teacher, and a mom.

Sara Ernst of Wild Pickle Press

Sara Ernst is an award-winning children's author, illustrator and musician from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sara loves to use her songs and rhymes to encourage a love of nature, inspire imagination, empower emotions and teach valuable lessons. She is a member of the Children's Music Network, a Fishman Music endorsed artist and her work has been seen or heard all over the world, including in The Washington Post, on the 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, the Raising Wildlings Podcast and more.

*If you are unable to make a session, don't worry! We will record each session to share with all registered individuals.