CK Professional Development
“Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives.” ~Thomas Berry
Primary and Intermediate
Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tatou mahi /
Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work
Teaching and learning through play in the outdoor classroom
Are you ready to deepen your understanding of teaching and learning in the outdoor classroom?
Join us for a series of 3 full-day workshops designed to equip you with the theory and practice you need for successful play-based learning in the outdoor classroom. Prepare to challenge yourself both in your outdoor skills and your teaching practices, and expect to form strong connections with a group of like-minded educators. All participants have the option to visit our One Day Programme and join our private online discussion group. Suitable for both parents/whānau and teachers educating children in the outdoors. Book in as an individual or request a personalized programme for your school or group.
DAY 1 / The Outdoor Classroom: Introduction
Discover the research underpinning nature play in the primary and intermediate environment, and extend this into a local Aotearoa context, with emphasis on links to the NZ Curriculum and Te Ao Māori. We will introduce research and best practice around risk management, as well as coverage of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and EOTC Guidelines.
DAY 2 / The Outdoor Classroom: Skills
Extend your learning from the Introduction workshop with an in-depth look at skills that can be nurtured in the outdoor classroom. We cover fire, tool use, knots, shelter building, ecology exploration, and artistic creations using natural materials, as well as considering the role of the adult in supporting these experiences. This is a hands-on practical workshop and we’ll be outside rain or shine, so dress to the conditions!
DAY 3 / The Outdoor Classroom: Space to learn
Whether you are heading off-site to the local reserve or beach or utilizing the natural spaces on your school grounds, this workshop will cover the nitty-gritty of health and safety, risk assessment, and best practice for managing groups outdoors, with a particular focus on risky play and challenging behavior.
Price: $950 per person + GST, minimum numbers apply
Book in as an individual or request a personalized programme for your school or group.
Morning and Afternoon tea provided.
What participants are saying about THE OUTDOOR CLASSROOM:
"Honestly, I loved ALL of it. Your enthusiasm, passion, knowledge and energy was felt throughout the workshop. WOW!!!! This course has given me the tools, knowledge and ideas to strengthen nature-based learning in my school. I have learnt new skills by taking risks and challenges in my own play… Thank you, CK whānau for an experience to remember!!"
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"What a powerful experience it is to learn something through our own play, even as a fully grown adult! Shared discussions with others on the journey, and those passionate educators facilitating nature play in their own settings helped to make setting goals for my own approach realistic. I can’t wait for the next step!"
Introduction to Nature Play / Forest Schooling
Do you believe it's crucial for children's health and well being to spend time outdoors connecting with the natural world?
This 2 hr workshop is perfect for parents/whānau and teachers looking to increase their understanding of nature play/forest schooling philosophy and get some practical tips for taking kids outdoors. We'll cover philosophy and research underpinning nature play, barriers to getting kids outdoors (and how we can overcome them), and practical ideas for staying sane and safe in the outdoors, whether you are responsible for your own children or a large school group.
Price: $75 per person + GST, minimum numbers apply
Specialist In-School Support
We are so inspired by the enthusiasm with which many schools are embracing nature-based learning! We see the most meaningful and lasting changes when we partner with schools on an ongoing basis to support their journey. This may include personalised PD for teacher-only days, after school staff workshops, in-school coaching, parent education evenings, and/or development of personalised site risk assessments.
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Full day PD: $1500, Half day: $750, After School: 1.5 hr $400
Parent Education Evening: $400 -
In-school coaching: $900/day for 3 teachers/classrooms
(Includes 30 min observation, 30 min debrief/goal-setting meeting, and written feedback) -
Site Assessments: $180/hr, minimum charge 2 hours
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Remote consulting/coaching via phone or video: $150/hr
Contact us to schedule your free 30-minute consultation!
[ GST applies for all prices above ]
Professional Study Tour
Wishing you could see nature/forest schooling in action?
Come and tour our Conscious Kids One Day Programme! This two-hour, highly interactive tour includes the chance to observe children engaging with the outdoor environment and ask unlimited questions of an experienced Nature Educator. Tours take place entirely outdoors in all weather, so dress to the conditions!
Price: $99 per person + GST, minimum numbers apply
