Playing Out Workshops

Playing Out

Playing Out is a three-level program on the value of play, practical applications for playwork, and refining existing outdoor spaces for play. Play in nature is an ideal method for children to connect with their surroundings and develop an appreciation for the outdoors. Playing Out emphasizes play in nature and how to take advantage of the many affordances provided by the natural world.  Email for more information or if you have any questions.
 

 

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

Homework: None

Training Location and Dates:  

• 2023 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

*The safety of our workshop participants and Zoo staff is our greatest concern. All participants will be expected to adhere to the Zoo’s health and safety policies, including wearing face coverings and social distancing.  Policy reminders will be included in the information email. If the in-person version of Natural Playwork needs to be canceled due to complications regarding COVID-19, a hybrid or virtual version of the training will be offered in its place.

 

Playing Out I: Foundations of Play

The first level of Playing Out 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). Participants will leave inspired and ready to reinvigorate their programs working with children.

Pre-requisite: None

Homework: Pre- and Post- Workshop Assignments

Training Location and Dates:

• March 18, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - At the North Carolina Zoo contact Linda Kinney at linda.kinney@nczoo.org to register

*The safety of our workshop participants and Zoo staff is our greatest concern. All participants will be expected to adhere to the Zoo’s health and safety policies, including wearing face coverings and social distancing.  Policy reminders will be included in the information email. If the in-person version of Playing Out I needs to be canceled due to complications regarding COVID-19, a hybrid or virtual version of the training will be offered in its place.

 

Playing Out II: Space for Play

The second level of Playing Out takes into consideration the concepts covered in Foundations of Play and applies them to the design process. Participants will explore ideas of nature and play and their combined application in the design of natural play spaces.

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

• June 17, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - At the North Carolina Zoo contact Linda Kinney at linda.kinney@nczoo.org to register

*The safety of our workshop participants and Zoo staff is our greatest concern. All participants will be expected to adhere to the Zoo’s health and safety policies, including wearing face coverings and social distancing.  Policy reminders will be included in the information email. If the in-person version of Playing Out II needs to be canceled due to complications regarding COVID-19, a hybrid or virtual version of the training will be offered in its place.

 

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 will review concepts covered in the first two modules and key themes associated with the management and support of playwork practice. Participants will discuss the challenges of supporting the unique qualities of children's play, affording opportunity to draw from personal experiences. Group work will include strategies for developing support structures and partnerships, incorporating play into their programs and everyday life, and how to ignite 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 23, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - At the North Carolina Zoo contact Linda Kinney at linda.kinney@nczoo.org to register

*The safety of our workshop participants and Zoo staff is our greatest concern. All participants will be expected to adhere to the Zoo’s health and safety policies, including wearing face coverings and social distancing.  Policy reminders will be included in the information email. If the in-person version of Playing Out III needs to be canceled due to complications regarding COVID-19, a hybrid or virtual version of the training will be offered in its place.

 

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

Playing and the Elements explores the ideas of nature and play and their combined application for playwork outdoors. Participants will explore open-ended creative methods of incorporating elemental play and exploration into programs and curricula, using approaches employed in the playwork profession. Please join us as we playfully explore the elements of Earth, Wind, Fire and Water and how to take advantage of the many affordances provided by the natural world. This workshop is for both formal and informal educators as well as any professional who works with children and young people in outdoor settings. Please dress for the weather since the majority of the workshop will take place outside.

Pre-requisite: None 

Training Location and Dates:

• November 4, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - At the North Carolina Zoo contact Linda Kinney at linda.kinney@nczoo.org to register

*The safety of our workshop participants and Zoo staff is our greatest concern. All participants will be expected to adhere to the Zoo’s health and safety policies, including wearing face coverings and social distancing.  Policy reminders will be included in the information email. If the in-person version of Playing and the Elements need to be canceled due to complications regarding COVID-19, a hybrid or virtual version of the training will be offered in its place.   

 

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 as a way to enhance children’s opportunities for exploration and play outside.

Pre-requisite: None 

Training Location and Dates:

• June 10, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - At the North Carolina Zoo contact Linda Kinney at linda.kinney@nczoo.org to register