The LEARNING WILD Method (BETA program)
It is finally here. Over the course of 10 years, I created, developed and implemented my own method of teaching and learning in the preschool that I founded in 2014.
I am finally ready to teach others my exact blueprint!
The Learning WILD Method is a 12 month, certification program, that will take you and your classroom/program from erring on the side of traditional to fully implementing play (with an emphasis in outdoor/nature play) into your days with children.
Let's Transform Together!
Imagine if you could stop poking your eyeball out with a stick trying to piece a bunch of things together, and FINALLY have a blueprint for implementing play? AND you get an experienced guide to walk you through it all (that's me).
Hi.
I am Kristen Day!
In 2014, I opened a program in Alexandria, MN called Butterfly Hill Nature Preschool. It was the first play, nature and forest school in central Minnesota.
I have since retired from being the program director but, of course, all of my knowledge and experience is bottled up in my brain ready to be let out to teach others how to create similar programs around the world.
The Learning WILD Method is based on everything I implemented into Butterfly Hill. It is rooted in play, nature, relationships, wonder, curiosity, trial and error, reflective teaching and advocacy for play and childhood.
When you join this program and put in the work, you will be rewarded with a truly developmentally appropriate program/classroom that children will thrive in. And so will you!
Are you ready to get a little messy? Get a little dirty? Get a little uncomfy?
If you are ready to implement a lot more play and a lot more nature/outdoor play into your time with children, this is the place for you.
Join the Beta Certification Group Now!ANY OF THESE HAIR-PULLING ISSUES SOUND FAMILIAR?
"Whenever I try to introduce more play in my classroom, I often hit a wall of resistance. It's tough dealing with skeptical colleagues and parents who still cling to the old-school, desk-bound methods of learning. It feels like I'm constantly having to justify why play is so crucial.""
"I know play is how children learn, but how will they be ready for Kindergarten if all they do is play? I'm not convinced and neither are the parents."
"When I try to let children have large amounts of free play, they get so wild and out of control so I have to pull the reins back in and do more structured activities."
"There is SO much information out there about play and I don't even know where to start!"
"I’m all for more play in the classroom, but I sometimes feel out of my depth. We rarely get training in play-based learning, and I'm left figuring things out on my own which makes me want to give up."
"Managing play-based learning effectively in a classroom with a lot of kids can be overwhelming. It's tough to ensure that every child is engaged and learning."
"I have to adhere to a curriculum and that includes testing the children. How can I let them play if my job is on the line and tied to performance. I need to make sure they are learning and that is hard to do when they are playing."
WHAT THE LEARNING WILD BETA PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE:
- TRAININGS, CHALLENGES AND RESOURCES ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS (PLUS MANY MORE)
- observation/documentation
- loose parts
- process art
- emergent curriculum
- learning without centers
- whole child development
- outdoor play / nature play
- bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out
- designing a DAP circle time
- the daily routine
- journaling with children
- story dictation
- outdoor classroom essentials
- morning check-in
- renegade/tricky play types
- risky play
- rough and tumble play
- big body play
- weapon play
- death and dying play
- messy play
- superhero play
- exclusionary play
- implementation of open snack-times
- open access to materials
- classroom organization
- forced sharing
- forced apologies
- clean up time
- behavior management / social and emotional learning
- the role of the teacher
- play schema
- the stages of play
- how children learn math through play
- how children learn literacy through play
- parent communication
- parent expectations
- balancing a boxed curriculum
- donations/funding
- marketing your program
- social media basics
- implementing forest school and nature preschool philosophies into your program/classroom
- PLUS you will get a boatload of resources like parent handbooks, research, assessment tools, planning templates, observation templates and more! I will make sure you get what you need to fully implement play over the course of the year.
How will we make sure you are INSPIRED and MOTIVATED instead of overwhelmed?
It is hard to make change. Our human-ness doesn't like us to make bold changes. Implementing play based learning can feel like a risk and it can be overwhelming. However, I know that if you make small, incremental changes (Bev Bos said, "start in the corner") you will be able to fully embrace play over the course of the 12 month program! (Keep in mind that becoming developmentally informed and embracing play is a lifelong process... You will always be learning and reflecting and changing throughout your whole play-based career!)
We will have monthly goals and challenges to help you make these incremental changes so you don't get overwhelmed and can enjoy the process.
I will be right there with you the whole way! I will troubleshoot with you, cheer you on and celebrate when you finally feel the magic in play. We will be connected in a Facebook group so that everyone can have a sounding board when needed!
The 4 Pillars of the LEARNING WILD Method
WILD {W-Wonder, I-Individuality, L-Liberty, D-Development}
W is for WONDER
Wonder in the classroom sparks curiosity, which leads to investigation, discovery, and ultimately learning. This process encourages an atmosphere where children are inspired to explore and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Wonder captures the essence of curiosity and excitement for learning. In a play-based classroom, fostering an atmosphere where children feel inspired to explore, ask questions, and engage with the world around them is crucial. This pillar encourages educators to create experiences that marvel and captivate the young mind!
Pillar 1 - W {Wonder}
I is for INDIVIDUALITY
Individuality in a play-based setting means that play is child-centered, allowing each day to be tailored to the unique needs and interests of each child. This approach supports an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and understood and is designed to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences, ensuring that education is not one-size-fits-all but personalized and responsive. Moreover, this pillar promotes equity by recognizing and incorporating elements from each child’s culture, family background, and personal experiences. This integration helps build a classroom community that values diversity and fosters a deeper understanding and respect among peers.
Pillar 2 - I {Individuality}
L is for LIBERTY
Liberty involves providing children with the freedom to choose their play, explore their interests, and express themselves without undue restrictions. This pillar is about trusting children’s ability to lead their learning experiences, which fosters independence, decision-making skills, and self-confidence. Additionally, it honors Dr. Peter Gray’s definition of play, asserting that true play is self-chosen, self-guided, intrinsically motivated, and process-based. This approach underlines the importance of freedom and autonomy in play, acknowledging that the most meaningful and developmental play occurs when it is directed by the children themselves. By embracing these principles, educators facilitate a play environment that respects and promotes children's natural curiosity and mastery of their world.
Pillar 3 - L {Liberty}
D is for DEVELOPMENT
Development focuses on ensuring that the classroom environment, routine, materials and expectations are age-appropriate and conducive to growth in all domains—physical, cognitive, social, and emotional. This pillar involves crafting an environment and selecting materials that support the developmental stages of each child, helping them build essential skills through play. It adopts a holistic, whole-child approach to education, prioritizing the nurturing of every aspect of a child’s development. This comprehensive strategy ensures that the Learning WILD method supports all areas of development thereby providing a well-rounded foundation that promotes lifelong learning and well-being.
Pillar 3 - D {Development}
WHO IS THIS FOR?
This if for early childhood educators (birth through age 5/6) that are committed to implementing a play-based and child-led philosophy of teaching and learning into their classroom.
This is for early childhood programs that are wanting to overhaul their whole program to implement a more child-led, play-based and developmentally informed approach to their whole school or program.
This is for any teacher/program/school that wants to stop pulling their hair out dabbling in different philosophies and finally settle on ONE approach with a proven blueprint (the program Kristen founded has been up running since 2014!)
This is for anyone who is ready to stop spinning in circles with questions about play and finally have answers and support.
Enroll NowCurious about what the school looks like that Kristen founded?
Check out these tour videos and see the indoor and outdoor classrooms! Your program should not and will not be a replica of this space, however it will give you a good idea of what a developmentally appropriate environment can look like! And keep in mind that this certification is less about what you environment looks like, and more about the things that do or don't happen each day in that environment!
Over my time traveling the world and listening to the questions and qualms of early childhood educators everywhere, I have realized that the programs/schools that have an overarching philosophy they adhere to are much more successful when it comes to fully implementing play based learning. Adopting and becoming certified in the Learning Wild Method means that you will have support along the way AND have ONE philosophy for every teacher in the program to align with. This leaves room for less headache trying to get everyone "on board" and more room to give children what they really need!
MULTI-USER (centers and schools with multiple staff using resources)
$3997 $1197
Payment Plan - MULTI-USER (centers and schools with multiple staff using resources)
$130 per month
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When will I be billed if I purchase the payment plan option?
Are there PD certificates available each month for the video trainings?
Can I use this for my whole program/school/child care center?
Are the video trainings live?
What if I want to cancel?
Who can I contact with more questions?
How long do I have access to the materials after my one year program?
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