We work to support regional educators, local organizations and local school districts to deliver high quality environmental education to preschool and elementary students. We are a nature school host, but also train and encourage participating schools to utilize the outdoor spaces on their school property.

We believe nature-based early childhood education (NbECE) is a powerful tool to help children to grow, learn and develop. We want to get that tool into the hands of educators in our region through professional development opportunities.

Many of our workshops and webinars are available for participants to receive Professional Growth Points for attending and participating, and will be advertised when applicable.

Custom dates are available for groups of 4 or more to observe our Nature Preschool and engage in facilitated training. Contact Foy Spicer at fspicer@goshen.edu to schedule a visit.

Past Opportunities

Integrating Pediatric Therapy Services into Forest Schools
Merry Lea hosted a virtual professional development workshop focused on how forest schools are very therapeutic for all our students, but some need a bit more support to participate with a larger group or to address specific challenges. Nature-based pediatric therapy services are a great fit for forest schools to provide individual support for students with more significant needs. These services allow forest schools to provide a more inclusive program to enroll students of all abilities. Watch the webinar here.

Social Emotional Learning in Outdoor Education
Merry Lea hosted a virtual professional development workshop focused on social emotional learning in outdoor education. This opportunity was for educators who are familiar with nature-based education and were looking for ways to better support their students. Watch the webinar here.

Forest Schools 101: Indiana Webinar
You’ve heard of Forest Schools and Nature Preschools, but have you ever wondered what actually happens in these programs? This introductory webinar dug into buzzwords like ‘risky play’ and ‘emergent curriculum’ and offered insights into the pedagogy and philosophy behind this movement, especially for programs in northern Indiana. Watch the webinar here. 

Risky Play Webinar
Risky play is often a central component of nature-based programs…But what does it mean and how do you do it? Encounters with risk offer many beneficial opportunities for students to assess risk, build confidence, and develop socially and physically. This webinar reviewed appropriate risk, how to do a risk-benefit analysis and various facilitation tips. Participants left with an understanding of risky play terms and strategies for incorporating risky play into your setting. Watch the webinar here.

Cold Weather Clothing Management Webinar
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” – Alfred Wainwright

While there might be a few exceptions to that statement, 95% of the time Merry Lea’s nature preschoolers are outside exploring in rain, snow, cold, sunshine and warmth. How do educators successfully keep children outside and prepared in all sorts of weather? Merry Lea’s nature preschool teachers shared their tips on suitable, accessible, and affordable clothing and layering. Watch the webinar here.

Cold Weather Play Webinar

There are SO many ways to enjoy playing outdoors even when the temperature drops. Participants heard about our all-weather play with preschoolers and kindergartners, including many different ways children have engaged in playing outdoors regardless of the temperature. This webinar focused on activity ideas as well as strategies we have used during cold-weather play. Watch the webinar here.

Sit Spot Webinar

Sit spots are often included in nature-based programming as a way to promote place-based education. But what exactly are sit spots and why are they important? In this webinar, participants learned about this unique activity and discussed the importance of developing a sit spot routine, and then practiced this technique themselves! Watch the webinar here.