The Graduate Education and Credentialing program at Antioch University Santa Barbara will offer courses in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education during the week of January 4-8, 2016.
Educator and author David Sobel, who is core faculty and project director at the Antioch University New England Institute, will make a return visit to Santa Barbara to teach one of the courses. Sobel previously worked with AUSB on In Bloom in Santa Barbara in September and for a lecture also presented by the Wilderness Youth Project in April.
The available courses are:
EDC 528: ECOLOGY OF IMAGINATION IN CHILDHOOD
Instructor: David Sobel (1.5 Units) M-F 8:30-12:00
Course Description: This course investigates ways in which children’s nature play can be used to invigorate the writing process. Making forts, hunting and gathering, constructing small worlds, going on adventures, and fantasy play are children’s instinctive ways of being in the natural world and these activities can be used as the basis for curriculum. We’ll use the surrounding neighborhood and hills to reconnect with childhood play. Out of these natural world experiences, each participant will craft a finished piece of writing by the end of the week.
EDC 503: NATURAL HISTORY FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD
Instructor: Ellen Doris and Andrew Lindsay (1.5 Units) M-F 1:00-4:30
Course Description: The best nature-based childhood teachers are knowledgeable about early childhood and local natural history. This course will focus on the natural history of the Central California Coast that most directly relates to being outdoors with children. Participants will learn the flora, fauna and natural phenomena that intrigue young children. We’ll also consider how tracking, gathering wild edibles, crafting and telling stories can encourage exploration. We’ll discuss both winter and spring natural history with a focus on keeping children engaged under hot and/or wet conditions.
These courses are electives in AUSB’s new proposed Certificate Program, or they can be used as electives for graduate students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Education program. Those who want to take the classes as stand-alone experiences for their own interest or professional development are also welcome. Tuition is $679 per unit or $407 per unit for Antioch alumni. Continuing Education Units are available and included in tuition.
For more information or to reserve your space, please contact Kelly Pena at 805-962-8179 x5315 or kpena[at]antioch.edu.
Posted on November 18, 2015
