WORKSHOPS
Our hands‑on workshops are designed to develop practical skills that support the sustainable integration of nature education in kindergartens, schools, and families. Participants gain effective approaches and easy‑to‑use tools that make outdoor and nature‑based learning meaningful, accessible, and simple to embed in everyday teaching and caregiving environments.
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We tailor workshops for ECEC teachers and school teachers. Popular topics include:
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Outdoor learning
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Nature and environmental education
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Phenomenon‑based learning (PhBL)
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Social‑emotional learning
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Garden education
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Below are examples of workshops we have offered:
PhBL WORKSHOP
This workshop guides educators through the full process of designing, implementing, and localizing Phenomenon‑Based Learning (PhBL) projects for their own schools, learning centers, and even their home. Participants explore the core structure of a PhBL project— from identifying meaningful real‑world phenomena to developing research plan to showcasing research outcomes.
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Through practical examples and hands‑on exercises, participants learn how to adapt PhBL projects to different age groups, cultural contexts, and learning environments. By the end of the workshop, educators walk away with concrete tools, templates, and confidence to create engaging, inquiry‑driven projects that empower children to connect with nature and their surroundings in meaningful ways.
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Objectives:
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Understand the core principles of PhBL as a future-ready response to real-world challenges.
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Examine authentic case studies, such as NEEIF’s Summer Camp and Nature Education programs, to see how PhBL connects learning with environmental, social, and cultural issues.
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Experience the full cycle of a PhBL project through hands‑on practice, gaining practical skills to turn real phenomena into meaningful learning.
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Enhance professional competence by actively interacting with and asking questions from Finnish expert facilitator.
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Explore strategies for adapting and implementing PhBL in diverse educational contexts.
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Identify the pedagogical requirements, resources, and preparatory considerations necessary for conducting successful PhBL projects.
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Collaborate and exchange perspectives through structured peer group discussions and Q&A sessions to deepen understanding and share perspectives.
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Design and present a preliminary framework for their own PhBL project, applying the knowledge and insights gained during the workshop, leaving the workshop with a concrete plan to inspire curiosity, creativity, and resilience in learners.
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OUTDOOR LEARNING AND THINKING SKILLS FOR ECEC TEACHERS WORKSHOP
Growing Thinkers Outdoors: Practical Outdoor Math, English & Thinking Skills Training
This workshop helps early childhood educators bring math and English learning outdoors in meaningful, engaging ways while also strengthening children’s thinking skills and sense of wonder through intentional dialogue, questioning, and exploration. Participants learn the key benefits of outdoor learning and practice a variety of outdoor math and English activities for children aged 1–6. The workshop also introduces practical thinking-skills activities that support creativity, critical thinking, and early problem-solving in everyday kindergarten settings.
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Objectives:
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Understand the core principles of outdoor learning and its benefits for children’s cognitive, linguistic, and social-emotional development.
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Design and implement outdoor math and English activities for children aged 1–6 using natural materials and real-world contexts.
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Support children’s thinking skills through purposeful conversations, open-ended questions, and curiosity-driven exploration.
