Calendar
Nature & Structure
Play is an essential activity across the lifespan, for all people. Active outdoor play in and with nature has benefits for our physical and emotional well-being, and also helps us to strengthen our relationships with nature and the planet we call home. With increases in urbanization, concerns with safety, and changes in the climate and environmental conditions in the US and globally, people are spending more time indoors. Educators have responded with renewed focus and determination to support nature-based play and learning in the outdoors. In this session we will discuss the historic roots of ‘nature play’ in Froebel’s kindergarten, and the contemporary movements that support nature play (Nature Based Learning Initiative; Louv, 2019). We will review the current research on the benefits of nature for health, wellness, and a connectedness to nature (Bratman et al, 2012; Cosco, Moore & Smith, 2014; Hughes, Richardson & Lumber, 2018; Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989; Schweighardt, 2015; Ulrich, 1993; Zylestra et al, 2014) and share ideas on how to design a built environment that works with nature to support the benefits of active outdoor play & learning using Universal Design principles to support children of all abilities. The session will cover an assessment tool for outdoor learning environments (POEMS: Preschool Outdoor Environment Measurement Scale, 2005/2014, DeBord, Hestenes, Moore, Cosco & McGinnis) and feature case studies of successful design features of outdoor play and learning environments for all ages & abilities. This interactive session will involve active participation and dialogue among participants.
Calling all K – 8th grade educators. Join TWA to learn more about Texas wildlife. The workshop includes a 3-hour Zoom session and a take-home assignment. Teachers earn 6 hours of CPE credit. Registration and additional workshop dates/times listed on their website.
https://www.texas-wildlife.org/evaluation/2021-virtual-workshops
Grade K-8 Science teachers, free, up to 6 CPE credits
Join EcoRise staff and experienced EcoRise educators for a deep dive into our Introduction to Environmental Justice (EJ) elementary school curriculum. Using a social-emotional learning lens, these engaging lessons guide students to investigate how racism impacts people at interpersonal and systemic levels. They learn a few details about the history of racism in the United States and how people of color are disproportionately impacted by environmental problems. Then, using a flashcard activity, students practice thinking critically about environmental justice issues by identifying just and unjust scenarios. Finally, students learn about activists who have addressed environmental justice problems in their communities and begin exploring how they can be EJ heroes, too.
This workshop will include lesson demos, exploration, discussion, and planning, and will focus on providing teachers with the tools and skills necessary to cultivate the mindset and posture that is essential to effectively engaging young students in environmental justice work.
This workshop will have some pre-work assigned upon registration and will be held via Zoom. Registration and more information found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ecorise-introduction-to-environmental-justice-elementary-tickets-145750673187
Calling all K – 8th grade educators. Join TWA to learn more about Texas wildlife. The workshop includes a 3-hour Zoom session and a take-home assignment. Teachers earn 6 hours of CPE credit. Registration and additional workshop dates/times listed on their website.
https://www.texas-wildlife.org/evaluation/2021-virtual-workshops
Grade K-8 Science teachers, free, up to 6 CPE credits
Calling all K – 8th grade educators. Join TWA to learn more about Texas wildlife. The workshop includes a 3-hour Zoom session and a take-home assignment. Teachers earn 6 hours of CPE credit. Registration and additional workshop dates/times listed on their website.
https://www.texas-wildlife.org/evaluation/2021-virtual-workshops
Grade K-8 Science teachers, free, up to 6 CPE credits
Calling all K – 8th grade educators. Join TWA to learn more about Texas wildlife. The workshop includes a 3-hour Zoom session and a take-home assignment. Teachers earn 6 hours of CPE credit. Registration and additional workshop dates/times listed on their website.
https://www.texas-wildlife.org/evaluation/2021-virtual-workshops
Grade K-8 Science teachers, free, up to 6 CPE credits