Exploring Nature Through Professional Development

Over the past few months, our team has taken part in, coordinated, or provided some inspiring professional development opportunities focused on nature-based learning.

One highlight was a session with the Rotorua Playcentre Cluster held in the stunning Redwoods Forest. ECE and new entrant educators came together to join us and make “magic potions,” hunt for bugs and fungi, and explore the ngahere. It was a fun and hands-on way to connect and learn in nature. You can find many of the activities that we did and resources that we shared here: https://www.kidsgreeningtaupo.org.nz/activities-nature...

We also attended the Nature Education Network Conference in Paengaroa, where we led a workshop and night walks, and learned from other passionate presenters. It was great to reconnect with Rob McGowan and talk about Tīwaiwaka Aotearoa, and catch up with our friends from My Tree Hut, Hinemoa Kindergarten, and other Taupō centres.

In Taupō, we ran a teacher professional development session about our New Zealand birds alongside Anthea from Forest and Bird at the Waipahihi Botanical Reserve.

Our professional development sessions and talks are not only for teachers. This year we have also spoken to the University of the 3rd Age about our programme and to a Biosecurity Conference about the work that we do in schools, teaching about biosecurity and biological controls. We are also presenting at the Taupō Lakes and Waterways meeting about our invasive clam education in schools.

These experiences help us grow as educators and bring fresh ideas back to our tamariki—keeping our teaching grounded in nature, connection, and curiosity.