Learning with nature – Package 2
In order to work with nature we need to re-awaken our skills and capacities that many custodians of the land around the world have maintained over time. There is a worldwide movement at the moment exploring nature that needs to be embedded into practice so that it is sustained. It is not enough to source bright ideas, as a profession we need to build on a foundation of values.
This series of five modules are all about developing higher order thinking through an inquiry learning approach within the context of the natural sciences.
This professional learning package is not available as a part of an ECA Learning Hub Annual Subscription.
Learning with nature - Package 2
Learning with nature – Package 2
By Dr Claire Warden
In order to work with nature we need to re-awaken our skills and capacities that many custodians of the land around the world have maintained over time. There is a worldwide movement at the moment exploring nature that needs to be embedded into practice so that it is sustained. It is not enough to source bright ideas, as a profession we need to build on a foundation of values.
This series of five modules are all about developing higher order thinking through an inquiry learning approach within the context of the natural sciences.
Completing a Learning with Nature package will contribute 5 hours of PD addressing standard 3 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
This package maps to National Quality Standard Quality Area 1, 2, and 3.
Learning with nature - Benefit risk assessment
By Dr Claire Warden
This benefit risk assessment module will help early childhood professionals working within Early Years Childcare and Education who are interested in incorporating nature within their setting while considering potential risks of incorporating nature-based programs for young children and explain how all risk assessments can be effectively documented. It will further explore ways of supporting children in making their own risk-assessments.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- inspire your team or colleagues to explore risk with children and support children in undertaking their own benefit–risk assessment
- support effective practice by ensuring that appropriate documentation is in place
- stimulate professional debate through awareness of the possibilities and challenges of hazards and risks in early childhood practice.
Learning with nature – Rocks, stones and pebbles
By Dr Claire Warden
The aim of this module is to increase your key knowledge of rocks, stones and pebbles and help you design children’s play experiences that include these natural substances. Exploring intentionality, the module also outlines ways in which you can enhance your interaction with children.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- apply key knowledge to detail how children’s play and learning potential can be enhanced using rocks, stones and pebbles
- Introduce you to the concept of Stonework Play (Suskind and Crandall 2017)
- improve your interaction with children by raising their awareness of the potential of a pebble.
Learning with nature – Charcoal
By Dr Claire Warden
Learning with nature – Charcoal is aimed at all professionals working within Early Years Childcare and Education who are interested in incorporating nature within their setting to inspire and support children’s learning. This module is designed to give you a practical understanding of ways to incorporate charcoal, integrating nature into all aspects of learning within your setting.
This is an introductory module and does not need any prerequisite knowledge of the topic.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- explain how charcoal is formed
- justify the inclusion of occasional fire and the use and creation of charcoal in nature-based programs
- apply the 10 things you’ve learnt about charcoal which will improve the quality of your interaction with children.
Learning with nature – Puddles
By Dr Claire Warden
Learning with nature – Puddles is aimed at all professionals working within early years childcare and education who are interested in incorporating water puddle play within their setting to inspire and support children’s learning. This module will give you a practical understanding of how you can include puddle play as part of nature-based learning within your setting. This is an introductory module and does not need any prerequisite knowledge of the topic.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- discuss the potential use of puddles as a unique opportunity for integrated learning and development
- explain and justify the inclusion of puddles in nature-based programs
- apply the 10 things you’ve learnt about puddles to improve the quality of your interaction with children.
Learning with nature - Drips, drops and dribbles
By Dr Claire Warden
This module is design to increase your key knowledge of drips, drops and dribbles to support children’s play and learning while fulfilling the learning potential of water. It will enhance adult interaction with children, through exploring intentionality.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- understand the potential uses of very small amounts of water in children’s learning journeys
- explain and justify the inclusion of drips, drops and dribbles in nature-based programs
- apply the 10 things you’ve learnt about drips, drops and dribbles to improve the quality of your interaction with children.
