Rusty Keeler – Planet Earth Playscapes, Spencer, NY, USA
Workshop title - Dream & Draw your playscape
This workshop will help you dream and draw a master plan for your own outdoor environment. You'll see examples of natural play environments from around the world built by communities of people just like you. A variety of developmentally-appropriate environments will be highlighted full of hills, pathways, sculpture, hidey nooks, fountains, musical elements, sand and water and more. The real fun
comes when you roll up your sleeves and begin to plan your own natural playscape. Together we will brainstorm the unique resources and materials of your community, look at who could help you with your project, and begin dreaming and drawing the playscape possibilities!
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Anna Murphy, Eco Solutions, Whangarei
Workshop title - The magic of compost!
Learn how to create black gold! Everyone can learn to make compost – you can make it at your centre using some of the organic waste you produce. This natural fertiliser can then be used in your gardens, for pot plants or to feed your trees.
Teach your children about how exciting these changes are – composting is the oldest form of recycling! We can help the earth and save money while learning about living sustainably.
Open Spaces Staff, Open Spaces Preschool Academy, Whangarei
Workshop title - “The Wild Woods through the Seasons”
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Genevieve Simperingham, Peaceful Parenting Institute, NZ
Workshop title - EQ: What is Emotional Intelligence and how can we foster it
Educators always colour and shape children's developing social and emotional capacities, but our influence may or may not be mindful, helpful, consistent or empathic. Learn how you can, as a teacher, better understand and support the child's emotional and social development - allowing them to be all that they can be. We now have a growing body of research that relays what parents and teachers have always known; that learning how to "read" ourselves and others is as important as learning to read words and numbers.
We now know that emotional intelligence (or literacy) reduces violence, increases self esteem and social skills and provides the foundation for learning and healthy development.
The talk will outline ways that teachers can create an enriching emotional environment that fosters the development of emotional intelligence in their centres.
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