Educator Workshops
Nature-Connected Children
Need Nature-Connected Adults
Educational Trainings for Our Times
Join Us This Fall!
Empowering Children Through a Wholeness Approach to Learning
Sunday, Sept. 27, 9:00am – 5:00pm, at Strawtown’s Garner Studio
Workshop for educators, teaching artists, community leaders, parents, and anyone who wants to bring a deep ecology perspective* and creative nature connection to their youth.
In today’s fragmented world, how do we raise children who feel a sense of health, wholeness, and belonging?
Join us for learning through a living systems lens in education, drawn from Strawtown’s 25 years of experience. Teaching through relationships builds big-picture thinking and shapes the children’s world view.
When combined with nature, art, and science, children begin to experience the inter-connectedness of all life. When we see that the river isn’t just water in a valley, but connected to the land, beings, towns, and people whose choices affect it, past and present, we can begin to imagine new ways for the future.
You’ll leave with activities and practices that weave nature experience, art-making, and scientific inquiry into learning that feels whole and alive, for you and for the young people and communities you support.
* This workshop is paired with “DEEP ECOLOGY WORKSHOP WITH JOHN SEED” Sat. Sept. 26. Come to one or both!
* Deep Ecology is the practical philosophy of moving beyond intellectually knowing we’re part of nature, to actually feeling it — dissolving the illusion of separation between ourselves and the living world. Deepen your connection with the natural world – join us for one or both workshops!
SLIDING SCALE & FULL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
“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
