Coffee and light breakfast refreshments provided
Free registration: 540-463-2697 

Naturalist Pam Newitt from Yardley, Pennsylvania led a three-hour workshop introducing “Nature Inside Out,” a hands-on multidisciplinary approach to helping children make connections with nature using picture books, art, and language as springboards for outdoor exploration on Saturday, November 3.

Pam began with a discussion about natural materials that participants can find locally and bring into their classrooms to enhance nature/science lessons. She suggested ways to incorporate these treasures into the curriculum and preserve them for years of use. 

An informational walk in Boxerwood’s woodland garden and along the PlayTrail followed (weather:  dress accordingly). As we walk, Pam offered instructional strategies for drawing children into conversation about nature, for responding to their ideas and interests, and for managing a group of lively youngsters in the “wild” within or beyond the school yard. 

Back in the lodge, we had a chance to try our hands at several art projects that are designed to extend or reinforce a lesson. Pam provided materials that teachers can take back to school. 

Participants left the workshop equipped with information and a collection of indoor and outdoor activities that can be implemented back at school almost immediately on a variety of topics including birds, animals preparing for winter and animal/plant relationships. Teachers received certificates for recertification credits.

The workshop was sponsored by Boxerwood Education Association and by Boxerwood's new Dale Waller Early Childhood in Nature Program.