Rhythm & Bloom: Nurturing Nature-Based Early Childhood Education
Course Overview & TimingTimeSessionDescription9:00 – 9:30Welcome & Grounding CircleIntention setting, gentle breathing, nature connection
9:30 – 10:15Developmental Theories in NatureErikson, Piaget, Vygotsky + nature & wellbeing
10:15 – 10:30Morning Movement & MindfulnessNature walk, sensory engagement, breathing exercises
10:30 – 11:15Rhythm & Bloom Framework Deep DiveExplore core pillars with practical examples
11:15 – 11:30Break & ReflectionTea, journaling, quiet reflection
11:30 – 12:30Designing Rhythms & EnvironmentsHands-on activity: plan daily & seasonal rhythms, environment spaces
12:30 – 1:15Lunch & Nature ConnectionOptional outdoor lunch & mindful nature stroll
1:15 – 2:00Wellbeing Practices & Emotional ToolsEmotional regulation strategies, educator self-care rituals
2:00 – 2:45Creative Expression & PlayArt, story, loose parts inspired by nature
2:45 – 3:00Closing Circle & IntegrationShare insights, intentions, take-home practices
🌸 Session Details9:00 – 9:30 | Welcome & Grounding CircleSet collective intentions
Breathwork & body awareness
Connect with nature through a simple sensory exercise (e.g., holding a leaf, listening to birds)
9:30 – 10:15 | Developmental Theories in NatureOverview of Erikson’s psychosocial stages (trust, autonomy, initiative)
Piaget’s cognitive stages & hands-on exploration
Vygotsky’s social learning in natural settings
How nature supports wellbeing & development
Reflection prompt: “How do these resonate with your experience?”
10:15 – 10:30 | Morning Movement & MindfulnessGuided nature walk or movement stretch
Mindful breathing and sensory awareness
Invite noticing seasonal changes and natural rhythms
10:30 – 11:15 | Rhythm & Bloom Framework Deep DiveReview the 5 core pillars
Discuss real-life classroom applications
Share stories and experiences
11:15 – 11:30 | Break & ReflectionTea/coffee
Journaling: What new ideas or feelings arose?
Optional quiet nature moment
11:30 – 12:30 | Designing Rhythms & EnvironmentsCollaborative activity: create daily rhythm templates
Map out environment zones (Cozy Nest, Garden Table, Earth Space, Sky Space)
Discuss natural materials and sustainability
Share plans with the group
12:30 – 1:15 | Lunch & Nature ConnectionMindful eating outdoors (weather permitting)
Optional nature walk or quiet reflection
1:15 – 2:00 | Wellbeing Practices & Emotional ToolsExplore “The Peace Table,” Feeling Stones, and educator grounding rituals
Discuss trauma-informed approaches and polyvagal theory basics
Practice a simple educator self-care ritual
2:00 – 2:45 | Creative Expression & PlayEngage in arts inspired by nature: leaf prints, natural dye, storytelling with loose parts
Reflect on how creativity supports development and wellbeing
2:45 – 3:00 | Closing Circle & IntegrationShare takeaways and intentions
Distribute printable rhythm & wellbeing tools
Final grounding and gratitude ritual
🌿 What You’ll ReceiveRhythm & Bloom Workbook (printable)
Daily rhythm templates & seasonal planning guides
Wellbeing & emotional regulation toolkit
Certificate of participation (optional)
9:30 – 10:15Developmental Theories in NatureErikson, Piaget, Vygotsky + nature & wellbeing
10:15 – 10:30Morning Movement & MindfulnessNature walk, sensory engagement, breathing exercises
10:30 – 11:15Rhythm & Bloom Framework Deep DiveExplore core pillars with practical examples
11:15 – 11:30Break & ReflectionTea, journaling, quiet reflection
11:30 – 12:30Designing Rhythms & EnvironmentsHands-on activity: plan daily & seasonal rhythms, environment spaces
12:30 – 1:15Lunch & Nature ConnectionOptional outdoor lunch & mindful nature stroll
1:15 – 2:00Wellbeing Practices & Emotional ToolsEmotional regulation strategies, educator self-care rituals
2:00 – 2:45Creative Expression & PlayArt, story, loose parts inspired by nature
2:45 – 3:00Closing Circle & IntegrationShare insights, intentions, take-home practices
🌸 Session Details9:00 – 9:30 | Welcome & Grounding CircleSet collective intentions
Breathwork & body awareness
Connect with nature through a simple sensory exercise (e.g., holding a leaf, listening to birds)
9:30 – 10:15 | Developmental Theories in NatureOverview of Erikson’s psychosocial stages (trust, autonomy, initiative)
Piaget’s cognitive stages & hands-on exploration
Vygotsky’s social learning in natural settings
How nature supports wellbeing & development
Reflection prompt: “How do these resonate with your experience?”
10:15 – 10:30 | Morning Movement & MindfulnessGuided nature walk or movement stretch
Mindful breathing and sensory awareness
Invite noticing seasonal changes and natural rhythms
10:30 – 11:15 | Rhythm & Bloom Framework Deep DiveReview the 5 core pillars
Discuss real-life classroom applications
Share stories and experiences
11:15 – 11:30 | Break & ReflectionTea/coffee
Journaling: What new ideas or feelings arose?
Optional quiet nature moment
11:30 – 12:30 | Designing Rhythms & EnvironmentsCollaborative activity: create daily rhythm templates
Map out environment zones (Cozy Nest, Garden Table, Earth Space, Sky Space)
Discuss natural materials and sustainability
Share plans with the group
12:30 – 1:15 | Lunch & Nature ConnectionMindful eating outdoors (weather permitting)
Optional nature walk or quiet reflection
1:15 – 2:00 | Wellbeing Practices & Emotional ToolsExplore “The Peace Table,” Feeling Stones, and educator grounding rituals
Discuss trauma-informed approaches and polyvagal theory basics
Practice a simple educator self-care ritual
2:00 – 2:45 | Creative Expression & PlayEngage in arts inspired by nature: leaf prints, natural dye, storytelling with loose parts
Reflect on how creativity supports development and wellbeing
2:45 – 3:00 | Closing Circle & IntegrationShare takeaways and intentions
Distribute printable rhythm & wellbeing tools
Final grounding and gratitude ritual
🌿 What You’ll ReceiveRhythm & Bloom Workbook (printable)
Daily rhythm templates & seasonal planning guides
Wellbeing & emotional regulation toolkit
Certificate of participation (optional)