Leveling Up Nature Based Learning Through Play, Beckett, Summer 2026

Course Number:	EDU 5710 S29
Instructor:	Sean Beckett, M.S.
Location:	In-person at North Branch Nature Center July 20-24, 9 am - 5 pm & online.
Dates and Times:	Jul 20 - Sep 20, 2026
Credits:	3 Graduate Credits
Tuition:	Tuition is set by and payable to North Branch Nature Center

Course Description

This course is for teachers who are already taking their students outside but want to bring their outdoor experience to the next level. We will explore ways to enhance curriculum and deepen students’ connection to nature through the intentional introduction of new tools and loose parts. Participants will create and experiment with elements and invitations that build on seasonal affordances and the ever-developing play/learning of young students. Essentially, we will be focusing on all the fun parts of teaching outdoors. Participants will finish this course with concrete strategies and ideas for teaching young children outdoors and a deeper understanding of how nature can be a partner in this endeavor.

During this course we will immerse ourselves in the rhythm of place-based curriculum, engaging in discussions and intensive play-driven lessons held entirely outdoors. Our experiences throughout the week will reflect those of a nature-based early childhood setting, with additional time to envision the integration of these philosophies into our teaching practice.

Audience: All PreK-3rd grade educators with a Bachelor's Degree

Course Goals & Objectives

Course Goals:

Plan and implement the introduction of new loose parts and invitations to play
Practice tool safety protocols and risk-benefit analysis within the context of an outdoor classroom.
Share songs, games, stories and provocations to enhance a nature immersion curriculum.
Provide time for collaboration among participants in creating a project/program of their own.

Course Objectives:

Identify natural affordances and materials/tools that can be used to enhance learning in outdoor environments
Practice documentation and assessment of learning during student-led unstructured play in an outdoor setting.
Facilitate experiences and learning with seasonal themes which meet VELS
Engage participants in dialogue around methods of connecting children with their natural communities in order to support a nature pedagogy.
Build the confidence to implement tool use, loose parts play, and intentionally offer new elements.

Course Schedule

Course will take place in-person, in the field and in the classroom, on the days listed in the scheduled course meeting time above. Course will begin at North Branch Nature Center and may visit several sites to cover course content in the field. Nightly reflections for each of the in-person days will be due the following morning. Work continues in an independent format with a final project due September 20, 2026.

Required Readings/Resources

Costs for required readings/resources, if any, may not be included in the course tuition. Please contact NBNC for more information.

Butler, A. (2023). Educating children outdoors: Lessons in nature-based learning. Cornell University Press.

Sobel, D. (2025). Design principles for educators. Cornell University Press.

Beames, S., Atkinson, M., & Higgins, P. (2023). Outdoor learning in theory and practice (2nd ed.). Routledge.

Ernst, J., & Theimer, S. (2024). Nature pedagogy: Practices for integrating nature and learning. Teachers College Press.

Dillon, J., & Dickie, I. (2024). Outdoor learning in education: Nature‑based pedagogies and transformative experiences. Springer.

For additional course or registration information

Sean Beckett

(802) 229-6206

This course requires registration with North Branch Nature Center (NBNC) first. Please click on the Register Now! link below.