THRIVE in Nature™: Nurturing Educators and Children through Nature-Based Learning
1-Day Online Course for Early Childhood Educators
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (with breaks)
Course Overview:This 1-day online course focuses on the integration of nature-based practices to foster both educator well-being and children’s learning outcomes in early childhood education. Aligned with the EYLF and National Quality Framework (NQF), the course uses the THRIVE pillars to guide educators in cultivating meaningful, nature-rich environments. By focusing on the well-being of the educator and the child, this course will equip participants with the tools to integrate nature as an essential part of early childhood learning.
Course Schedule:
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Welcome & Course Introduction

• Welcome & Introduction to the THRIVE Framework
  • Overview of the EYLF and NQF and their focus on well-being and learning outcomes
  • Introduction to the THRIVE in Nature™ framework
  • How nature-based learning can benefit both educators and children
  • Reflection Prompt: “What role does nature play in your current practice, and how do you hope to deepen this connection today?”

9:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Module 1 – TUNE IN: Mindfulness and Presence
Objective: Develop mindfulness practices to enhance presence and responsiveness to children's needs.

• Content:
  • Mindfulness for Educators: Simple mindfulness practices for grounding and staying present in nature-based environments.
  • Nature-Based Mindfulness Activities for Children: Practices like mindful walks, breathing exercises, and sensory exploration outdoors.
  • Link to EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of well-being.
• Activity: Guided mindfulness practice (15-20 minutes)
• Discussion: How does mindfulness improve educator presence and, in turn, affect children's connection to nature?

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM: Morning Break

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM: Module 2 – HARNESS STRENGTHS: Building Resilience and Confidence
Objective: Leverage personal and professional strengths to build resilience in both educators and children.

• Content:
  • Strengths-Based Approaches: Identify and amplify your strengths as an educator.
  • Recognizing and Celebrating Children’s Strengths: Activities to support children’s confidence and self-efficacy through nature-based learning.
  • Link to EYLF Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators.
• Activity: Strengths discovery (reflection worksheet for educators to identify personal and professional strengths)
• Group Discussion: Share strategies for integrating strengths-based activities in the classroom with a focus on nature.

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch Break

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Module 3 – RESTORE & REFLECT: Emotional Regulation and Self-Care
Objective: Implement strategies for emotional regulation and self-care to prevent burnout.

• Content:
  • Techniques for Emotional Regulation in Nature Settings: Nature walks, sensory grounding activities, and deep breathing.
  • Reflective Practices for Educators: Journaling and self-reflection to process daily challenges and rejuvenate.
  • Connection to EYLF Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
• Activity: Reflective journaling (what’s working well for your own emotional well-being, and what needs more attention?)
• Group Discussion: The importance of regular self-care for educators and how it positively impacts children’s emotional regulation.

2:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Module 4 – INTEGRATE WITH INTENTION: Purposeful Planning and Practice
Objective: Align daily practices with intentional goals to enhance learning experiences.

• Content:
  • Setting Intentions for Nature-Based Learning: How to plan nature-infused activities with clear learning outcomes.
  • Planning for Different Age Groups: How nature can be integrated meaningfully with children aged 0-12 years.
  • Integrating with EYLF Principles and Practices: Tailoring your nature-based activities to align with EYLF outcomes.
• Activity: Create a simple nature-based activity plan for your setting (example: sensory activity for young children or problem-solving task for older children).
• Group Discussion: How do you set intentions in your practice to ensure that nature is intentionally integrated?

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: Afternoon Break

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Module 5 – VENTURE FORWARD: Embracing Challenges and Growth
Objective: Encourage a growth mindset and embrace challenges as opportunities for development.

• Content:
  • Fostering a Growth Mindset: Techniques for encouraging a growth mindset in both educators and children.
  • Nature-Based Challenges: Activities that promote problem-solving and critical thinking, such as building natural structures or creating outdoor art.
  • Link to EYLF Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners.
• Activity: Outdoor challenge (depending on participants’ space, a challenge activity or nature observation that promotes problem-solving skills).
• Discussion: How can we create a culture where challenges are opportunities for growth for both children and ourselves?

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Module 6 – EMBODY: Living the Learning
Objective: Embed nature-based practices into daily routines and environments.

• Content:
  • Creating Nature-Rich Environments: Transforming learning spaces by integrating nature through plants, outdoor learning, and nature-inspired decor.
  • Incorporating Nature into Daily Routines: Ideas for incorporating nature walks, outdoor play, and sensory experiences into your daily curriculum.
  • Reflection on Impact: How integrating nature-based practices can improve educator and child well-being.
• Activity: Reflective activity (What small changes can you make today to bring more nature into your environment and routines?)
• Group Wrap-Up: Reflection on the day’s learnings and sharing actionable steps for embedding nature into practice.

Course Features & Resources for Educators:

• Printable Nature Activity Workbook: Includes nature-based activity ideas, reflective prompts, and links to EYLF and NQF outcomes.
• Self-Care Guide for Educators: Practical tips for emotional regulation, self-care, and mindfulness practices.
• Nature-Inspired Planner Template: A simple planner to integrate nature into daily routines, with age-specific examples.
• Reflection Journal: A guided journal for educators to reflect on their well-being, growth, and nature practice.
• Access to Recording & Materials: All course materials and a recording of the session will be available for future reference.

This 1-day online course is packed with practical tools, personal reflection opportunities, and nature-based activities that will help educators not only nurture children's well-being but also support their own. It's designed to help participants connect with nature, reflect on their strengths, and integrate nature into every aspect of their practice.