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