Innovative CPD Opportunity: Engaging Children in Permaculture for Early Years
My name Christine Mathieson from Welly Walkers Childminding Family out at Portsoy. I have just finished a fantastic course that ran for 6 weeks, 12hrs in total 2 hrs in the evening per week. It is the Introduction to Engaging Children in Permaculture part of the Permaculture Association, with lecturers/trainers Lusi Alderslowe and Annette Argabright.
As we look for innovative ways to embed sustainability and outdoor learning into our Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) provisions, I would like to tell you about the training that i stumbled on whie doing reaearch during an outdoor play module in my second year of Uni : Engaging Children in Permaculture.
Permaculture goes beyond standard gardening. It introduces a holistic design framework rooted in three core ethics: Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share.
- Enhancing STEM & Literacy: Providing practical, nature-based ways to deliver core curriculum outcomes.
- Boosting Child Wellbeing: Supporting sensory integration, physical confidence, and emotional resilience through active outdoor play.
- Promoting Sustainability: Directly contributing to the green initiatives by teaching waste reduction, composting, and biodiversity to the next generation.
- Maximizing Resources: Training educators to utilize free, open-ended natural materials, lowering long-term resource costs for centers.
I really wanted to shout about this CPD as I believe it can lead the way in progressive, climate-conscious early pedagogy.
