🌿 Rhythm & BloomTwo-Day Professional Development Course
A Nature-Based, Whole-Child Early Childhood Framework

✨ Day 1: Foundations & Connection9:00 – 9:30 | Welcome & Grounding CircleGoal: Set the sacred container; cultivate presence and connection

• Opening ritual (breath, gentle movement)
• Intention sharing (what brought you here?)
• Sensory nature connection (holding a leaf, listening deeply)

9:30 – 11:00 | Developmental Theories in NatureGoal: Ground participants in the why behind the framework

• Interactive mini-lecture: Erikson, Piaget, Vygotsky essentials
• Nature’s role in brain & emotional development
• Small group reflection: Share stories of child development in nature
• Journaling prompt: “What does emotional wellbeing mean to me?”

11:00 – 11:15 | Break & Mindful Tea Time

• Invite savoring tea or water
• Optional quiet outdoor moment

11:15 – 12:30 | The Rhythm & Bloom Framework Deep DiveGoal: Explore the 5 core pillars with embodied understanding

• Introduce pillars with visuals & stories:
  1. Relationship is Root
  2. Rhythm before Routine
  3. Nature as Classroom
  4. Whole Child Curriculum
  5. Wellbeing is Foundation
• Group brainstorm: How are these seen in your setting?
• Movement break: Embody rhythm through simple flow or song

12:30 – 1:15 | Lunch & Nature Connection

• Mindful eating outside, if possible
• Guided nature observation or journaling

1:15 – 2:30 | Immersive Nature ExperienceGoal: Deepen sensory and emotional connection to the natural world

• Forest walk or garden exploration with guided sensory prompts
• Creative nature collecting for later art or loose parts play
• Reflective sharing circle: Feelings, discoveries, inspiration

2:30 – 3:00 | Reflection & Sharing

• Circle check-in: Words that describe your experience today
• Journaling: What insights or questions do I carry forward?

✨ Day 2: Practice, Wellbeing & Creativity9:00 – 9:30 | Morning Movement & Mindfulness

• Gentle movement and breathwork to awaken the body
• Sensory grounding ritual with nature objects

9:30 – 11:00 | Wellbeing Practices & Emotional ToolsGoal: Equip educators to nurture children’s and their own emotional safety

• Introduction to Polyvagal Theory basics in easy language
• Tools: Peace Table, Feeling Stones, Nest Space explained and practiced
• Self-care ritual: Guided educator grounding practice
• Role play or scenarios: Responding with care & attunement

11:00 – 11:15 | Break & Connection

• Quiet reflection or outdoor stroll

11:15 – 12:30 | Designing Rhythms & EnvironmentsGoal: Create actionable daily & seasonal rhythms and nurturing spaces

• Workshop: Draft your own daily rhythm incorporating rhythm & bloom pillars
• Environment zoning activity (Cozy Nest, Garden Table, etc.)
• Share & receive gentle feedback from peers
• Sustainability and natural materials discussion

12:30 – 1:15 | Lunch & Nature Connection1:15 – 2:30 | Creative Expression & Play

• Art project inspired by collected natural items (leaf prints, nature weaving)
• Storytelling with loose parts, circle games, music & movement
• Reflect on the role of creativity in child development and wellbeing

2:30 – 3:00 | Closing Circle & Integration

• Share insights, intentions, and gratitude
• Distribute Rhythm & Bloom Toolkit (workbook, rhythm templates, wellbeing cards)
• Final grounding and song or poem

🌟 Extra Touches & Materials:

• Facilitator guide with detailed timing, prompts, and resources
• Participant workbook with reflective exercises and planning pages
• Printable daily rhythm & seasonal planning templates
• Wellbeing toolkit cards for emotional regulation practices
• Nature-inspired music playlist and movement ideas
• Certificates of completion for participants