PRIMGHAR, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is teaming up with O’Brien County Conservation Naturalist Abbie Parker to host “Growing Up Wild” training on Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Prairie Heritage Center near Peterson.
“Growing Up Wild” is a workshop for early childhood professionals, childcare providers and teachers who work with children ages 3 to 7. The training focuses on reconnecting children with nature by building on children’s sense of wonder and exploring the world just outside the door.
“Discussion and activities will directly relate to advancing young children’s physical and intellectual development,” said Lori Korthals, human sciences specialist in family wellbeing with ISU Extension and Outreach, who will lead the event. “Growing Up Wild will feature hands-on activities and resources focused on age-appropriate practices and concepts in math, science, language, literacy, healthy living, play and creativity.”
Korthals reminds individuals that the workshop is for adult participants only. The attendees can then take what they learn as well as the resources provided at training back to their own school or childcare center.
“Participants will receive a guide with 27 nature-based themes and lesson plans, as well as snack and take-home family activity ideas that can be done in conjunction with the themes,” Korthals said. “We’ll practice hands-on activities like ‘If You Could Jump Like a Grasshopper,’ create camouflage collages, enjoy snacks such as ‘Ants on a Log’ and much more.”
Attendees are asked to dress casually in attire appropriate for outdoor activities.
To register for the program, visit https://go.iastate.edu/S8BCDO. There is no charge to participants because the workshop is sponsored by the O’Brien County Extension Council, but preregistration is required.
Participants can also choose to receive 4 clock hour credits for child care license renewal approved by the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS).
For more information or assistance registering, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach O’Brien County office at 712-957-5045 or email xobrien@iastate.edu.