Educator Workshops
Nature-Connected Children
Need Nature-Connected Adults
Educational Trainings for Our Times
Note: Video footage is from 2019 training. Current trainings are designed to meet Covid regulations.
Upcoming Educator Workshop!
“Spinning the Golden Thread”
Learn Strawtown’s Best Practices for Nature, Art, and Community Programming
Thurs. Oct. 19th
On Zoom, 6pm – 9pm
and
Sat. Oct. 21st
In-Person, 9am – 5pm
at Marydell, Nyack
See what makes children ask, “Can I live here?”
Join us for this insightful workshop that takes a look behind the curtain of Strawtown’s 20+ years of programming. Advance your own practices for confidently leading children and groups in experiences that provide a safe space, wonder-filled adventure, and artful skill-building, all while drawing closer to the natural world.
In this workshop you will:
- Explore ways to define your program by being in touch with your natural surroundings and creating place-based lessons.
- Learn the basics of outdoor safety, selecting your site, and creating group adherence.
- Practice imaginative staging to invite participation and engagement.
- Find inspiration for how to nurture a sense of togetherness while furthering self-discovery.
- Gain principles of creative response to challenges, staying curious and imaginative while moving through difficulties.
- Play with dialogue that encourages sensitivity, imagination, and shows children they are seen and appreciated.
For all who are looking to deepen their nature connection and guide others in creative learning experiences: teachers, artists, parents, grandparents, youth leaders, community builders, healing arts practitioners, and more.
Space is limited! Apply & Register today
- $165 / participant (includes zoom class, in-person full day, all materials, snacks, mentorship phone call with Director Laurie Seeman)
- Sliding scale and scholarships available for eligible applicants. Please inquire at info@strawtownstudio.org
- Please note this workshop involves walking on easy-to-moderate nature trails. Please contact us regarding accessibility and accommodations.
Application form and registration link below.
“To see, to feel the lessons in action is transformative. It was informative as it was restorative.” -Stewart L, participant
About Strawtown Educator Trainings
Now more than ever, there is a calling for caring, trained adults to guide children safely outdoors and provide simple creative activities that help them grow and thrive.
If you love nature, art, and children, welcome to the Strawtown teaching community network. You are needed!
Learn how to create the Nature Art experiences so that more children can find themselves…
- in nature
- in creative expression
- in community
- in making a difference
Join us and learn from the innovative Strawtown teaching team, led by Founder/Director Laurie Seeman and Program Director Joanna Dickey (Who We Are). Gain inspiration, tools, confidence, and on-going support with the teaching network. You will be able to quickly provide the creative nature-connection experiences wherever you are!
“The multi-dimensional thinking is a well-spring for teaching.”
– Participant from Facilitator Training, Nov. 2019
For all who are looking to bring children and groups of all ages into a natural, holistic world of learning:
- educators / program facilitators
- teaching artists / creatives
- parents / grandparents
- homeschoolers
- youth & community center leaders
Gain insights from our 20+ years of leading nature art programs and developing the place-based education method that children love. In this Strawtown Facilitator Training, you will learn how to integrate the worlds of nature, art and science into fascinating lessons that keep children’s authentic love of learning alive.
Return to your learning group, classroom, organization, or family inspired with new perspectives, practices, materials, and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Trainings and Workshops Cover:
- Introduction to the Strawtown principles and methods
- Developing nature appreciation and seeing the world through an artistic lens
- Orienting for place-based education
- Setting up outdoor studios and bringing nature into the home/classroom
- Establishing safety practices
- Encouraging children’s curiosity, skills, and discoveries
- Mentoring children through attentive teaching and dialogue
- Harvesting natural materials and combining with fine art supplies, tools and techniques
- Cultivating creative community relationships
“Working with you is one of the things that most influenced my teaching… Give attention to the moment and magical things happen.”
-Lorraine M., Teacher, Blue Rock School
2-Step Process
1- Application & Phone call:
Please complete the form below, and you’ll hear back from us as soon as possible to set up a phone conversation.
2- Workshop Registration:
If you have already filled out this application and had an intake phone call in the past, you can bypass and REGISTER HERE.
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