[Scroll down after reading for more pictures and a video]

 

Natural Start Alliance brings the Nature-Based Preschool Conference to a new city every year. Last year the conference was held in Seattle, WA and two of our preschool teachers attended. This year the conference was held in Chicago and not only did eight teachers attend, but three of those teachers presented and led a session. We are very proud of our nationally recognized early childhood program and we welcome opportunities to share our experience with other educators. 

 

Orchard teachers are masters of their craft who are constantly refining what they do through professional development opportunities. Our teachers are also leaders of Progressive education who present at national conferences, educating and enlightening others about the hands-on, experiential learning that happens every day at The Orchard School.

Orchard Presenters:
 

Building Cooperative Skills In Young Learners by Vicky Prusinski, The Orchard School 

Learn and play different challenge activities and group initiatives that support and encourage cooperative skills in young learners. Participants will leave with a list of activities and ideas that are easily implemented and ready to use on Monday morning--with little to no cost and prep!

 

Shades of Brown: A Project Promoting Art, Identity, and Nature Study by Melissa Jackson and Elizabeth Philpott, The Orchard School 

This session will describe a recent collaborative project titled “Shades of Brown.” Through our study of identity, young students at The Orchard School created a powerful work of art that showcases nature’s and people’s unique characteristics, similarities, and differences.

 

ICYMI: Here’s the video highlighting Shades of Brown: