About The Workshop

‘Nature Play’ is a term that is used around the world to focus on connecting children to nature. In this webinar we will explore the opportunities that winter has to offer. Let us take advantage of what ‘mother nature’ has so generously provided; cold weather, snow and ice and learn how to support outdoor unstructured free play during the winter months.   We will focus on the tools and loose parts that are needed to support big body play, problem-solving and social skills.

Activities include repurposing Christmas trees, creating shelters, converting mud kitchens into snow and ice utopias, turning slippery surfaces into manageable learning experiences, and being creative with our playground’s snowy palette.  Work with what you have and be amazed by the children’s engagement and smiling faces!

This is an interactive webinar, get ready for live discussions and have your video on to support hands-on activities.  Prior to the event a short and simple material list will be sent out.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding the importance of connecting children with nature and how to use your playground even when it is cold and covered in snow and ice.
2. Learning to make outdoor winter curriculum comfortable. Learn how to dress for the cold and understand the Scandinavian saying, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”
3. Identifying opportunities for unstructured, child led, and sensory rich play for your kids.
4. Transforming attitudes regarding winter negativity. Problem-solving schedules and getting parent support needed to get outside is key to delivering curriculum outside especially when it’s cold.