Nature Play Everyday

Session 1 Options: 

• Meet Me in the Middle: Building Shared Language Across Teachers, Families, and Leaders with Linda Kubiak

Teachers often work alongside administrators and families who all want what’s best for children—but may see the path forward a little differently. This interactive session invites educators to explore why those perspectives differ and how understanding them can lead to stronger collaboration and better outcomes for children. Through conversation and playful activities, we’ll step into the thinking of teachers, administrators, and parents, building empathy and shared language along the way. Together, we’ll practice meeting in the middle while keeping children at the center of every decision.

• Nature Risky Play and Loose Parts: How to Incorporate Nature In and Out of the Classroom with Alexia Mora

Dive deeper and step into a smaller pair of shoes, or bare feet, in this interactive workshop based on nature risky play and loose parts. How do you use sticks and rocks inside of a classroom? A child wants to climb a tree, what do I do? There is a chasing game that is getting out of control, what now? All of this and more will be discussed and put into practice.

• Gardening with Preschoolers with Terra Harper

Gardening with Preschoolers proves that big learning can start with a little dirt under your fingernails. In this lively, fun session, we’ll explore how planting, watering, and waiting help preschoolers grow patience, curiosity, and confidence. Even in the desert, children learn that with care, flexibility, and a little sunshine, amazing things can happen. You’ll leave with simple, kid-approved gardening ideas that support social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development—and maybe a reminder that it’s okay for learning to be a little messy.

Session 2 Options:

• Can We or Can’t We?: What Licensing and Quality First Say About Nature Play with Gaye Lynn Fisher

How does nature play fit within other formal structures such as ADHS Licensing or Quality First? Learn what the parameters are and how the various structures can actually support and enhance children’s experiences in nature. Come with questions and concerns as we explore this topic together and see how these other systems can align with creating natural environments for children.

• Outdoor School with Tracy Wiggins and Amanda Calloway

What if everything you’re already doing indoors could happen outside? Outdoor school supports children’s cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development, and this session is designed to show how outdoor learning can meet the same goals as indoor classrooms—without the four walls.

• Taking Art Outside with Kyla Maciosek

Taking Art Outside is all about letting go of “cute crafts” and leaning into real, meaningful art experiences. We’ll talk briefly about process art vs. crafts, then head outside to play, explore, and create with natural materials. You’ll have time to experience outdoor art yourself and walk away with ideas you can actually use. Plus, you’ll get some space to brainstorm art experiences that honor children’s creativity instead of controlling it.

Panelists:

• Tracy Wiggins, Teacher Coordinator: Outdoor School Benefits
• Linda Kubiak, Coach and Consultant: Barriers and Excuses That Keep Us from Doing What’s Best for Children
• Terra Harper; Head Start Teacher: Gardening with Preschoolers
• Shayna Smith, Lead Teacher: Designated Desert Play
• Alexia Mora, Kindergarten Educator: Accessibility to Nature

Keynote:

Kyla Maciosek is the founder of Nature Created Play and has spent over a decade helping early childhood educators reconnect learning to play, process, and the natural world. Her work centers child-led experiences that honor curiosity, agency, and how children actually learn. Through professional development, coaching, and outdoor classroom design, Kyla supports educators in creating learning environments that gently challenge the status quo.

In her keynote, Klya explores how saying YES strategically to children’s ideas, processes, and managed risk creates the conditions for deeper engagement and meaningful learning. Through real classroom stories, a practical YES framework, and hands-on practice with the “yes, and” method, participants will learn how to replace reflexive no’s with intentional responses that honor safety, agency, and development.

Space is limited so register today!

• For questions regarding this resource, please contact Tucson Regional Educator Collaborative (TREC).
• Contact Name: Alicia Durbin
• Email Address: trecarizona@arizona.edu