Training Package

​ECO Learning Network Training Package

The Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Network has developed a training package on place based outdoor learning. The program is tailored for teachers and services interested in establishing a nature kindergarten program. The three part package includes an introduction, a site visit to a program in action, and a planning session where you can focus on your own service.

This training has been designed to assist teachers and educators who are interested in taking children into nature or who are looking for support to strengthen their existing programs. Presented by leaders and pioneers in the field of Australian early childhood nature programs – Doug Fargher, Lisa Coxon and Karen Anderson – the program is held over 3 sessions, including a site visit to a nature kindergarten in action.

The package includes

  • EHalf day workshop that covers the framework requirements as well as the Nuts and Bolts of creating an outdoor program.
  • EOne site visit where participants have the opportunity to view children interacting within the outdoor space. (For an extra fee participants can visit other sites.)
  • EAfter the site visits a second workshop is planned to reflect on what has been observed and then begin planning for the next steps of taking children into nature.

Register interest for forthcoming courses:

2 + 15 =

Day One Outline

Introduction

Introduction to nature kindergarten including discussion of:

  • 9How nature programs align with the NQF, VEYLDF and EYLF
  • 9How Children Services Regulations can be adhered to
  • 9The role of philosophy and pedagogy
  • 9Practical considerations for developing an offsite program

Day Two

Site Visit

Visit a nature kindergarten program in action. One visit is included. Additional visits can be added for an extra fee View children learning in three very different natural environments. ​Teachers will share their sites and pedagogy, providing insights into the how and why.

Choose one of three visits:

  • 9Westgarth Bush Kinder - Doug - Wednesday
  • 9Minimbah Creek - Lisa - Thursday
  • 9Balnarring Living & Learning with Nature program - Karen

Day Three

Get down to work

A session for planning and writing, tailored to your needs and your service.

  • 9Reflect on site visits
  • 9Step through benefit/risk assessment development
  • 9Work through our template to guide individual program development

Comments received from previous participants

” Great to hear from knowledgeable teachers with loads of experience”

” It was good to be able to reflect on how the examples are relevant to our own services “

” It was such an inspirational session that now I am feeling confident to take this on board “

” Having the opportunity to observe the children learning and working in the bush space. Being able to ask questions and hear ‘real stories’ “

” Fantastic to reflect after the site visit and unpack what we have seen and experienced. Again love the stories and examples “