2026 Educator Institute
Raise the bar on teaching young children outdoors and develop a deeper understanding of how nature can be a partner in this endeavor.
Leveling Up Nature Based Learning Through Play
At North Branch Nature Center
July 20 – 24, 2026
$1,300 ($1,750 with 3 graduate credits). Financial Support Available
12 – 20 students
For PreK – 3rd grade educators
Instructors: Jenna Plouffe & Harriet Hart
This course is for teachers who are already taking their students outside but want to bring their outdoor experience to the next level. We will explore ways to enhance curriculum and deepen students’ connection to nature through the intentional introduction of new tools and loose parts. Participants will create and experiment with elements and invitations that build on seasonal affordances and the ever-developing play/learning of young students. Essentially, we will be focusing on all the fun parts of teaching outdoors. Participants will finish this course with concrete strategies and ideas for teaching young children outdoors and a deeper understanding of how nature can be a partner in this endeavor.
During this course we will immerse ourselves in the rhythm of place-based curriculum, engaging in discussions and intensive play-driven lessons held entirely outdoors. Our experiences throughout the week will reflect those of a nature-based early childhood setting, with additional time to envision the integration of these philosophies into our teaching practice.
Course Details
Course Goals
- Identify natural affordances and materials/tools that can be used to enhance learning in outdoor environments
- Practice documentation and assessment of learning during student-led unstructured play in an outdoor setting.
- Facilitate experiences and learning with seasonal themes which meet VELS
- Engage participants in dialogue around methods of connecting children with their natural communities in order to support a nature pedagogy.
- Build the confidence to implement tool use, loose parts play, and intentionally offer new elements.
Course Objectives
- Plan and implement the introduction of new loose parts and invitations to play
- Practice tool safety protocols and risk-benefit analysis within the context of an outdoor classroom.
- Share songs, games, stories and provocations to enhance a nature immersion curriculum.
- Provide time for collaboration among participants in creating a project/program of their own.
About the Instructors
Jenna Plouffe is the Director of Forest Preschool. She has over 15+ years of experience with nature based education in public education and at NBNC. Harriet Hart is a teacher at Forest Preschool. They have worked in both nature centers and public schools for the past 12 years connecting children to the natural world.
North Branch Nature Center is a nationally recognized leader in nature-based education for children and adults. Our place-based and inquiry-based philosophy recognizes nature as our most dynamic, enriching, rigorous, and inclusive classroom. Healthy, inspired learning and development depends on immersive, curiosity-driven nature exploration, cultivated by expert teaching and mentorship. From our acclaimed Forest Preschool and Educating Children Outdoors (ECO) flagship programs, to our summer camps, community workshops, and professional institutes, NBNC offers a lifetime of learning and growth through deepened connections with the environment.
Recommended Texts
- Butler, Amy. Educating Children Outdoors: Lessons in Nature-Based Learning
- Sara Knight. Risk and Adventure in Early Years Outdoor Play (A good accompaniment for site assessment projects)
- David Sobel. Design Principles
- Rachel A. Larimore. Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning
- Juliette Robertson. Dirty Teaching or Messy Maths (Examples of lessons and experiences happening outdoors)
- North American Association for Environmental Education. Nature-Based Preschool Professional Practice Guidebook
- Hanscomb, Angela. Barefoot & Balanced.
- Claire Warden. Learning with Nature: Embedding Outdoor Practice.
Course Timing & Logistics
This course convenes Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at North Branch Nature Center. Exact timing will be communicated as course approaches. Participants should bring their own water, lunch, and snacks. Onsite camping is available upon request.
Academic Credit & Professional Development
This course qualifies for 3 graduate-level education credits through Vermont State University for an additional $450 course fee. For students transferring credit to another institution, it is each student’s responsibility to ensure that their home institution will accept the credit. Participants pursuing academic credit will be required to complete a final project and additional assignments focused on curriculum development. The final day of the course will include time for beginning this project.
All participants qualify for 40 hours of professional development hours and Continuing Education Units. Certificates of completion are provided at the conclusion of the course upon request.
Payment & School Purchase Orders
It is the participant’s responsibility to submit a purchase order request to their school immediately upon registration, and to provide a purchase order number and invoicing contact information to NBNC in a timely manner. Participants must have either provided NBNC a purchase order number, or made arrangements to do so, within 14 days of registration. Course tuition will be billed approximately 1 month before the start of the course. If you are paying for this course directly, we can create a billing schedule based on your needs.
Cancellation Policy
While we realize that unexpected circumstances arise that are out of our control, North Branch Nature Center cannot guarantee refunds for registrations cancelled within 30 days of the course. If a cancellation occurs within this window, NBNC will, if possible, attempt to fill the space from our wait list and provide a full refund.
Financial Support
Vermont residents are encouraged to apply for a VSAC Advancement Grant. NBNC also has financial support available for those without access to professional development funds. Please visit our Financial Support Page to inquire about financial support.