Knee High Nature
KNEE HIGH NATURE: professional development workshops for early childhood educators
Knee High Nature helps improve learning opportunities for very young children by providing science-focused professional development for early childhood educators and child care providers. In each of four different seasonal workshops offered by Four Winds Nature Institute's professional staff, participants are presented with natural science curriculum appropriate for children ages 3-6.
Knee High Nature is a nature study curriculum designed to increase children's awareness of, curiosity about, and appreciation of the natural world through investigation, creative and interactive play, and direct outdoor experiences. The units draw from children's own experiences outdoors with plenty of hands-on opportunities that encourage children to raise questions, explore objects and materials, spend time outside, make careful observations, share and discuss ideas.
Each professional development workshop includes:
- Two Seasonally Related Topics
- Natural Science Background Information
- Modeling and Active Participation In Hands-On Age-Appropriate Activities with attention to Early Learning Standards and Core Competencies
- Printed Guidelines and Teaching Materials
Knee High Nature workshops are offered in communities around Vermont.
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