Professional Development

In-person or online, we love developing ways to engage your heart, mind and body as we explore the joys and benefits of learning in thoughtfully designed, nature-rich spaces.

Our client relationship team is excited to hear about your professional development needs or to schedule a workshop with you.

In-Person Workshops

We’ll spend a good portion of our time outdoors as we guide you through rich interactions with natural materials and environments. Engage in activities that spark conversations and insights, as we highlight the research-based benefits and opportunities of learning and teaching in nature-rich environments with a complete mix of activities to support whole-child learning.

Using Your Outdoor Classroom*

A multi-faceted exploration of research-based principles for creating effective, inspiring natural outdoor classrooms… Learn More

Amplifying Children’s Creativity…Naturally!

Unleash children’s creativity and ingenuity through environments that support children’s freedom to think for themselves, ponder problems, and dream up creations … Learn More

Learning Outdoors with Infants and Toddlers*

Discovering innovative ways to support infants and toddlers in well-designed outdoor spaces… Learn More

Moving to Learn

Explore purposeful movement to support physical and cognitive development and creative expression … Learn More

*This meets the staff development requirement for certifying your Nature Explore Classroom

Live Online Workshops

Explore the world of learning with nature from wherever you are through our unique live online workshops. Our offerings provide opportunities for you to explore materials, reflect, and share both questions and insights. When we meet online, we have a unique opportunity to make meaningful connections with colleagues from all over the world and share what makes each one of us and our environments unique.

Addressing Behaviors That Challenge Us

Support children’s self-regulation, wellbeing and resilience through powerful connections with nature … Learn More

Engineering in the Early Years

Playing, learning and communicating with blocks and more … Learn More

Heart-Centered Self-Care

Infuse your workplace with life-long learning, celebration, gratitude and nature-rich living … Learn More

Supporting Infants and Toddlers Outdoors | Apoyando a Bebés y Niños Pequeños al Aire Libre

Infuse nature into daily environments and routines for our youngest children **Offered in Spanish and English … Learn More

Explore formas innovadoras de facilitar experiencias significativas de aprendizaje para bebés y niños pequeños en espacios al aire libre bien diseñados. **Ofrecido en Español e Ingles … aprende más

Using Your Outdoor Classroom* | Usando su salón de clases al aire libre

A multi-faceted exploration of research-based principles for creating effective, inspiring natural outdoor classrooms. *This workshop plus one other Nature Explore online workshop meets the staff development requirement for certifying your Nature Explore Classroom … Learn More

**Ofrecido en Español e Ingles … aprende más

Whole-Child Development | Desarrollo Integral del Niño

Learn of powerful ways nature-rich classrooms and experiences support children’s holistic development. **Offered in Spanish and English … Learn More

Mejora del desarrollo integral del niño a través de aulas naturales al aire libre. **Ofrecido en Español e Ingles … aprende más

Free Live Online Sessions

Ask a Nature Explore Designer

Do you have big dreams for your outdoor space but haven’t had the chance to put a plan on paper? Are you curious about designing an outdoor classroom but unsure where to begin?

During this FREE 1-hour live online session, our design experts will respond to your questions and share effective tips on how you can develop your space and how the Nature Explore team can support your efforts.

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Ask a Nature Explore Educator

Are you curious about how to help your outdoor classroom flourish, manage risky play, organize materials or engage staff and families?

During this FREE 1-hour live online session, you will hear from Nature Explore’s lead Child Development Specialists Heather Fox and Kirsten Haugen, about how to work with your outdoor classroom to foster rich relationships and learning, while also building effective approaches to common outdoor classroom challenges. Heather and Kirsten will give a brief presentation, followed by a Q&A session to answer any questions you have about how to care for and use your natural outdoor classroom with the children, staff, and families in your program.

Nature Explore Certification 101

The Nature Explore Classroom Certification Program is a national initiative that recognizes schools and other organizations that have made a commitment to providing outdoor classrooms and comprehensive programming to help children use the natural world as an integral part of learning. Does your program have an outdoor classroom? Join us for this FREE 1-hour session to learn more about our certification process, hear first-hand experiences from Certified Nature Explore Classrooms, and come ready to ask questions!

Come back for upcoming dates

Multi-Session Offerings

Meet as a group over consecutive sessions to learn, apply, and reflect on research-based principles that support your goals for natural outdoor classrooms.

Certification Studio

Let us be your guide as you connect with others and complete your Nature Explore Classroom certification application with three one-hour online sessions. 

Activation Consultation

Choose an aspect of your outdoor Classroom you’d like to enrich and we’ll work together to make it come to life, with a one-hour online planning session and a three-hour in-person follow-up. This is an ideal companion to any of our in-person workshops. 

To learn more about the Certification Studio and Activation Consultation email [email protected].

Tools for Reflective Practice

Use Reflections individually or as a team to guide and deepen reflective practice. Or, add the Reflections of your choice onto any Nature Explore workshop, in person or online, and we’ll facilitate it with your group. Learn More

Need Help?

Our client relationship team is ready to talk with you about your needs or to schedule a workshop with you.

Contact Us

Or Call: (888) 908-8733

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