School Will Host Early Learning Conference

Redwood Cooperative School is hosting an early learning conference in August for educational professionals that will help teachers connect students with nature and outdoor learning opportunities.
Registration is open now for the conference that runs 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday and Friday, Aug. 8-9 at Redwood’s campus at 166 Crestwood Drive in Lexington.
Highlights of the conference, which is sponsored by the Kentucky Environmental Education Council, include an interactive mixer on Thursday evening, and keynote presentations by Sarah Smitha of Candy Mountain Music and Trevor “Farmer Brown” Claiborn from Kentucky State University, plus sessions on loose parts play, place-based education and early learning environmental education.

Ashley Hoffman from Project Learning Tree will discuss the benefits of becoming part of PLT’s green schools early childhood program.
Environmental education is a cornerstone of the conference with instruction on how teachers can incorporate nature into the classroom.
Place-based education will also be a focus. This pedagogy immerses students in their local surroundings, landscapes, heritage and culture. That immersion then becomes the foundation for all subjects.
Children’s lives are enhanced when they study everything in their surroundings from the trees, plants and animals to their cultural environment and its history.
Loose parts play, which encourages the use of simple materials, also fits into that environmental framework. Placing items both natural and manufactured into the environment increases creativity in children.
“We are so excited to bring this quality early childhood professional development opportunity to Central Kentucky,” Redwood Director Sarah Cummins said.
“The workshops and activities at the conference will help teachers connect their students with nature on a more regular basis. It will also give teachers the tools to provide rich, hands-on learning opportunities for their students.”
TRIS credit is available for attendees. Registration is $250. Discount hotel rates are available. The conference is capped at 80 attendees.

Info: (859) 273-4496, info@redwoodcoop.org or visit www.redwoodcoop.org.