MaineECO + Bowdoin College Children's Center Fall Workshop Series

Held over a series of four sessions.
Session 2:

How nature-based play is a foundation for anti-bias education

Goal: Build an understanding on how nature-based and outdoor curriculum can support developmentally appropriate practices.

Objectives: In this session, we will explore how nature, culture, and learning are interconnected through anti-bias framework developed by Derman-Sparks & Olson. This framework centers on four core goals of identity, diversity, justice, and action, and is research-based, developmentally appropriate and recognized by NAEYC as a measure of high-quality programs. We will start by creating a foundation of understanding the cognitive, social, and health benefits to outdoor play, and then apply this framework to deepen curriculum and practice. Allowing children the opportunity to be outside with what nature provides is plenty for them to learn about themselves, their place in the world, and how every living thing is accepted and cared for. This workshop will center on ways to create a nature-based curriculum that respects and acknowledges Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS) and NAEYC standards.

• Register here.

• Other session dates:

  • October 29, 2025: Addressing outdoor equity and justice with staff.

  • November 19, 2025: Sustaining outdoor, nature-based learning in theory and practice

  • Session information, here.

• Location for all sessions: Bowdoin College Children's Center; 6 South Street, Brunswick  

• Time for all sessions: Wednesday evenings from 5:45-7:30pm

• Certificates of Participation are available from MaineECO for elective training hours

• It is beneficial to attend all sessions but not required, attend what you can!

• Light snacks & beverages will be served

• Facilitated by Martha Eshoo, Executive Director and Lauren Ball, Lead Preschool Educator

MaineECO + Bowdoin College Children's Center Fall Workshop Series

Held over a series of four sessions.
Session 3: Addressing outdoor equity and justice with staff

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 5:45-7:30pm, Bowdoin College Children’s Center, Brunswick ME

Goal: Apply the four core goals of anti-bias framework (identity, diversity, justice, and action) to staff development in connection with nature and the outdoors.

Objectives: This workshop offers another perspective on early learning outcomes as we notice the focus on “getting to the goal”, “making sure children’s behaviors meet expectations”, and having things done in a “timely manner”.  As we rethink our goals in light of standards and assessments we consider nature.  We see that there is no one right way to be a flower, creatures of all shapes and sizes behave in different ways together, and time occurs in so many ways: tree rings, leaves changing color, and the way the sun casts shadows. Outdoor programs provide time and space for children to engage in the natural world, so staff provide ample opportunity to engage children in what is referred to as “frictions in the forest,” questioning what is accepted as the norm and looking to nature for answers. We will discuss ways of allowing for these frictions in our work and how this builds a more collaborative and trusting team.

• Register here.

• Other session dates:

  • November 19, 2025: Sustaining outdoor, nature-based learning in theory and practice

  • Other session information, here.

• Location for all sessions: Bowdoin College Children's Center; 6 South Street, Brunswick  

• Time for all sessions: Wednesday evenings from 5:45-7:30pm

• Certificates of Participation are available from MaineECO for elective training hours

• It is beneficial to attend all sessions but not required, attend what you can!

• Light snacks & beverages will be served

• Facilitated by Martha Eshoo, Executive Director and Lauren Ball, Lead Preschool Educator

MaineECO + Bowdoin College Children's Center Fall Workshop Series

Held over a series of four sessions.
Session 4: Sustaining outdoor, nature-based learning in theory and practice

Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 5:45-7:30pm, Bowdoin College Children’s Center, Brunswick ME

Goal: Reflect on the ways we can continue to support young children’s learning using nature as the foundation.

Objectives: We will consider what we’ve learned about nature-based education and belonging, and what might happen when we look outside the walls of the classroom for learning. There will be a focus on keeping the outside spaces refreshed and interesting for young children with an eye towards sustainable practices for educators (funding, staffing, materials). Our workshop series closes out by articulating potential and realistic next steps, barriers, and supports as we embrace outdoor play. We will discuss our goals for children’s development and what the future can look like as we move into the turn of seasons, different environments, and the changing world around us. We will focus on how this not only impacts the families and children we serve but also benefits ourselves as caregivers and strengthens our relationships with coworkers and staff. When we apply outdoor, nature-based play ideas to our personal lives and work, it can guide our practice and create meaningful experiences for young children.

• Register here.

• Location for all sessions: Bowdoin College Children's Center; 6 South Street, Brunswick  

• Time for all sessions: Wednesday evenings from 5:45-7:30pm

• Certificates of Participation are available from MaineECO for elective training hours

• It is beneficial to attend all sessions but not required, attend what you can!

• Light snacks & beverages will be served

• Facilitated by Martha Eshoo, Executive Director and Lauren Ball, Lead Preschool Educator5:45-7:30pm, Bowdoin College Children’s Center, Brunswick ME