Playing Out Workshops

Natural Playwork: Elemental Play and Inquiry

Natural Playwork emphasizes play in nature and how to take advantage of the many affordances provided by the natural world. In this workshop, participants will investigate open-ended creative methods of incorporating elemental play and exploration in programs and curricula, using approaches employed in the playwork profession. We’ll play with ideas, experiment, and explore approaches to planning for play outdoors. We’ll also look at how a playful disposition can inspire playful approaches to inquiring about the world we live in. This workshop is for both formal and informal educators as well as any adult who spends time with children and young people in outdoor settings. Dress for the weather since the majority of the workshop will take place outdoors. This training would be great for anyone needing NC EE Certification Criteria II hours.

Pre-requisite: None

Training Location and Dates:  

• 2024 Date To Be Determined- 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.- At the North Carolina Zoo contact Linda Kinney at linda.kinney@nczoo.org to register

Playing Out I: Foundations of Play

The first level of Playing Out is an intensive workshop that focuses on play theories, play’s role in a child’s development, play in learning environments and the importance of the adult in service of playing children (playwork). Group work includes determining creative approaches to planning for play, and practical applications for playwork outdoors. Activities encourage deeper thinking into our role in children’s play and learning, using open-ended creative approaches employed in the playwork profession. The workshop’s aim is to help participants build the knowledge, skills, motivation and confidence to enhance opportunities for exploration and play outdoors. Playful, inspired, engaged adults can make a difference.

Pre-requisite: None

Homework: Pre- and Post- Workshop Assignments

Training Location and Dates:

• May 11th, 2024 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - At the North Carolina Zoo contact Linda Kinney at linda.kinney@nczoo.org to register

Playing Out II: Space for Play

The second level of Playing Out is an intensive training that explores creative ways to support play outside. Participants investigate the qualities of nature and play and their combined application when engaging with children and youth outdoors. Hands-on experiences include opportunities for participants to reflect on their own relationship with nature; redefine the term nature play space; engage in methods for enhancing playful outdoor learning experiences; explore elements of and play with loose parts in a nature play setting; discuss Risk as it relates to managing an outdoor play environment; and conduct risk assessments.

Pre-requisite: Playing Out I: Foundations for Play or Equivalent Combination of Education and Experience

Homework: Pre- and Post- Workshop Assignments

Training Location and Dates

• July 13th, 2024 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - At the North Carolina Zoo contact Linda Kinney at linda.kinney@nczoo.org to register

Playing Out III: Play In Practice

The third level of Playing Out includes a strong nature immersion component that reinforces the benefits and importance of playing outside. In addition to exploring the outdoor environment, participants review concepts covered in the first two modules and key themes associated with the management and support of playwork practice. Participants determine current challenges of supporting the unique qualities of children's play, affording opportunities to draw from personal experiences. Group work includes strategies for developing support structures and partnerships, incorporating play into programs and everyday life, and igniting a culture change.  

Pre-requisite: Playing Out I and II or Equivalent Combination of Education and Experience

Homework: Pre- and Post- Workshop Assignments

Training Location and Dates:

• September 14th, 2024 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - At the North Carolina Zoo contact Linda Kinney at linda.kinney@nczoo.org to register

Playing and the Elements: Playing with Earth, Wind, Fire and Water

This workshop playfully explores the elements of Earth, Wind, Fire and Water.  Participants will examine open-ended creative methods of incorporating elemental play and exploration in programs and curricula, using approaches employed in the playwork profession. The workshop highlights the value and importance of playful interactions with natural elements and investigates practical elemental springboards that can be adapted to a variety of outdoor settings. The course is designed for anyone who works with and/or facilitates play opportunities for children and youth in outdoor settings.   

Pre-requisite: None 

Training Location and Dates:

• October 26th, 2024 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - At the North Carolina Zoo contact Linda Kinney at linda.kinney@nczoo.org to register

Playful Inquiry

Playful Inquiry explores the value of play and how play is associated with academic learning. Asking questions, playing with ideas, experimentation and exploration are a part of play and the beginnings of inquiry.  Playful approaches to learning allow students to initiate investigations, heighten their motivation and engagement, and provide opportunities to explore the questions they care about. This course uses play and playwork theory to explore environmental investigations and strategies for incorporating nature play into curriculum, lesson plans, and everyday life to enhance children’s opportunities for exploration and play outside.

Pre-requisite: None 

Training Location and Dates:

• June 29th, 2024 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - At the North Carolina Zoo contact Linda Kinney at linda.kinney@nczoo.org to register