Come spend two hours outdoors with your baby, toddler, or preschooler while learning how you can use nature to support your child’s development. The morning will include some guided thought work, casual discussions, and plenty of time to explore the concepts while experiencing nature with your little one.
This is not a traditional “class” with back to back adult-driven activities designed merely to entertain kids. Nor is it a lecture or demonstration for adults with handouts about milestones or specific nature activities you should do with your kids. It is, instead, a dedicated time for you to come together with child development professionals and fellow parents who also value time outdoors with their kids to discuss the topics that are weighing on your mind as they relate to development. In the field of early child development our goal is to notice, celebrate, and support a child’s development - in this case specifically kids' bodies and minds in nature. We can’t wait to be observers alongside you, pointing out the amazing things your kids are already doing, and helping you to develop your eyes and ears to do the same. We want to give you the knowledge, skills, and language to justify that your child is going to thrive without any special products or structures.
Our time together will include nature process art, story read alouds, and campfire building. During and in between these gently structured activities will be many opportunities to chat with the facilitators and fellow parents about the concepts of child development and nature.
December class focus:
Risky play, safety - learn and discuss how risky play is beneficial to young children, how to assess risk for your family/child, and safety planning for being outdoors with young children.
December class facilitators:
Kelly Partner, Parenting Off The Beaten Path
Jennifer Stone, PhD, Speech Language Pathologist
Lily Gullion, Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Registration fee:
$15 per family
What to bring:
Something to sit on, water and snack(s), appropriate layers, clean change of clothes.
Created with child ages 0 - 3 in mind, other ages welcome. Classes are held outdoors rain or shine except in cases of extreme or unsafe weather.
Disclaimer: The information provided through this event is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered individual therapy. Guidance received during the event is not intended to be a substitute for individual professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own medical provider. Please consult a medical provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your child.