Throughout this engaging program, participants will delve into the enchanting world of nature’s classroom and discover the myriad benefits of incorporating outdoor experiences into kindergarten education. By venturing beyond traditional classroom walls, teachers will unlock a wealth of opportunities to inspire, engage, and empower their students.

Led by expert facilitators in early childhood education and outdoor pedagogy, this course offers a comprehensive exploration of nature-based teaching methods, innovative strategies, and practical tools for creating dynamic learning experiences. From nature exploration to sensory activities, from environmental awareness to outdoor play, participants will gain invaluable insights into how these approaches can enrich and enliven their teaching practice.

By the end of the course, educators will have acquired a deep understanding of the transformative impact of outdoor education on children’s holistic development. They will be equipped with a diverse repertoire of pedagogical techniques, adaptable lesson plans, and resources that they can seamlessly integrate into their kindergarten classrooms. Furthermore, the course nurtures a collaborative environment, fostering networking and the exchange of best practices among participants from different educational backgrounds and cultures.

1. Experiential Learning: Participants actively engage in hands-on experiences that immerse them in nature-based activities. Through guided explorations, sensory exercises, and direct interactions with the natural environment, teachers develop a deep understanding of the benefits and potential of outdoor education.

2. Collaborative Discussions: Interactive group discussions and reflective dialogues provide a platform for participants to share their insights, experiences, and challenges. This collaborative approach fosters the exchange of ideas, best practices, and diverse perspectives among educators from different backgrounds and cultures.

3. Practical Workshops: Practical workshops enable participants to delve into specific nature-based teaching methods, strategies, and techniques. Through guided practice sessions, educators gain firsthand experience in implementing innovative activities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in young learners.

4. Expert-led Presentations: Experienced facilitators deliver engaging presentations on various topics related to outdoor pedagogy and kindergarten education. These sessions provide theoretical foundations, research findings, and evidence-based practices that inform participants’ understanding of the subject matter.

5. Case Studies and Examples: Real-life case studies and examples from successful outdoor education initiatives are shared to illustrate the practical application of nature-based teaching methods. Participants gain insights into different approaches and their implementation in diverse educational contexts.

6. Resource Sharing: Course materials, including lesson plans, activity ideas, and recommended resources, are provided to participants. These resources serve as valuable references for integrating nature-based teaching into their regular kindergarten curriculum, fostering continued professional growth.

7. Reflection and Action Planning: Regular reflection exercises and action planning sessions allow participants to critically analyze their own teaching practices and develop customized strategies for incorporating outdoor education into their specific kindergarten settings.

The combination of these methodologies ensures a comprehensive learning experience that caters to different learning styles and maximizes engagement. By actively participating in experiential activities, collaborative discussions, practical workshops, and expert-led presentations, teachers acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to create inspiring learning environments in their kindergartens.

Learning Outcomes

1. Gain a deep understanding of the benefits and transformative potential of outdoor education in kindergarten teaching.
2. Acquire knowledge of nature-based teaching methods, innovative strategies, and practical techniques to enhance learning experiences.
3. Develop skills in designing and implementing engaging nature-based activities that foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in young learners.
4. Explore the role of sensory experiences, nature exploration, and outdoor play in promoting holistic development in kindergarten students.
5. Understand the importance of environmental awareness and sustainability education in fostering a sense of stewardship and connection with nature.
6. Learn to effectively integrate outdoor education into existing kindergarten curricula and adapt teaching approaches to different educational contexts.
7. Reflect on personal teaching practices and identify opportunities for incorporating nature-based teaching methods in daily instruction.
8. Cultivate a supportive network of educators, fostering collaboration, and the exchange of ideas and best practices in outdoor pedagogy.
9. Develop a repertoire of adaptable lesson plans, resources, and assessment strategies that align with nature-based teaching principles.
10. Create an action plan for implementing and sustaining outdoor education initiatives in kindergarten classrooms, taking into account school-specific challenges and resources.

1. Certificate of Attendance
2. Europass Certificate (if requested)

Our courses are designed and delivered in compliance with the quality standards of the Erasmus+ Key Action 1 Quality Standards for Courses.

Online Meeting Program

– Meeting with the trainer

– Presentation of info pack

– Q & A session

· Overview of outdoor pedagogy in kindergarten education

· Benefits of nature-based learning experiences

· Guided nature walks and observation exercises

· Exploring sensory activities and nature-inspired art

· Workshop: Designing hands-on nature exploration activities

· Group discussion and sharing of activity ideas

· Exploring eco-literacy and sustainability concepts

· Workshop: Creating nature-themed projects and lessons on environmental stewardship

· Case studies of successful sustainability initiatives

· Exploring gross motor development through nature-based games and activities

· Workshop: Designing outdoor play spaces that promote physical development

· Reflection and action planning for incorporating outdoor play in daily routines

· Workshop: Adapting lesson plans to incorporate outdoor education

· Group discussion and collaboration on cross-curricular project ideas

· Strategies for formative and summative assessment in outdoor settings

· Workshop: Developing authentic assessment tools for nature-based learning

· Reflective exercises on personal growth and action planning

· Sharing success stories and lessons learned

· Collaborative discussion on sustainability and continued professional growth

· Action planning: Developing a personalized roadmap for implementing nature-based teaching strategies in participants’ kindergarten

PLANNED

1. May 13-19, 2024

2. June 10-16, 2024

3. July 08-14, 2024

4. August 12-18, 2024

5. September 09-15, 2024

6. October 07-13, 2024

7. November 04-10, 2024

8. December 02-08, 2024

İstanbul, Türkiye

1. May 20-26, 2024

2. June 17-23, 2024

3. July 15-21, 2024

4. August 19-25, 2024

5. September 16-22, 2024

6. October 14-20, 2024

7. November 11-17, 2024

8. December 09-15, 2024