Green Teacher Gathering: Full Schedule

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11:45am CDT

DROP IN SESSION: Sticks and Stones: Nature Play 101

Saturday April 5, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm CDT

Nature Play is, perhaps the oldest way to play, with myriad benefits for children many that last into adulthood. It is stacking sticks, making forts, cooking mud pies and anything else kids can concoct. It is probably how you played as a child when no one was looking and why you value nature as a grown up. Learn more about Nature Play, the benefits of "risky" play as well as how to bring it to your park, classroom, garden and curriculum. We will play with loose parts, make scale model Nature Play Spaces, and explore ways to bring nature inside as well as to bring the classroom outside with simple activities that require no new material or planning.

Speakers

Sean Schaffer

Nature Engagement Specialist, Chicago Park District

Sean (he/him) has been doing informal early childhood and environmental education for over 30 years from KohlChildren's Museum, The Chicago Academy of Sciences, the Shedd Aquarium and The Chicago ParkDistrict. In his latest role, he helps create Nature Play Spaces in Parks, designed... Read More →

Saturday April 5, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm CDT
TBD Outdoor Space

Nature Play, Level 1: for those who are new to the topic

Green Teacher Gathering

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