About
"Children can’t bounce off the walls if we take away the walls" - Erin Kenny.
Pebbles, Puddles and Possibilities invites educators to discover the magic and meaning of learning in nature. When children connect with the natural world, they engage in the kind of deep, embodied learning that nurtures creativity, curiosity, and wellbeing.
Nature pedagogy is more than outdoor play, it’s an intentional, reflective practice that slows us down, deepens relationships, and opens new possibilities for learning. Through this workshop, educators explore how natural environments can support collaboration, problem-solving, self-regulation, and joy in learning.
Grounded in contemporary research and aligned with the National Quality Framework, this workshop supports educators to confidently embed nature-based learning that celebrates Country, culture, and community.
Workshop delivery options:
Online Self-Paced Introduction (1 hour)
A gentle introduction to the principles of nature pedagogy and the benefits of in-nature learning. You’ll explore practical ways to bring nature into your program and support children’s engagement, curiosity, and connection.
Face-to-Face Workshop (3 hours)
This hands-on, play-filled workshop invites educators to engage directly with natural materials and landscapes. Through exploration and reflection, you’ll discover how to design and implement rich, responsive programs that blend theory with experience — and leave with ideas ready to put into practice.
Participant Outcomes
Upon completing this course, participants will:
- Understand the key principles and philosophy of nature pedagogy
- Explore respectful approaches for embedding First Nations perspectives and connection with Country
- Learn strategies for supporting adventurous play in natural environments
- Discover ways to integrate STEAM learning through nature-based experiences
- Identify supervision, safety and sustainability considerations for in-nature programs
About the Presenter
Linda’s dominant Freedom Cup finds her championing risky play, nature play, and child-led, emergent curriculum. Never one to pass up a good yarn, she brings learning to life through storytelling - weaving narratives that spark curiosity, connection, and joy.
As a VIT-registered teacher with over a decade of teaching and educational leadership experience, Linda has co-created and taught an award-winning bush kinder program designed with mental health at its heart, while also embedding evidence-based, contemporary pedagogy at the Excellent-rated Kinglake Ranges Children’s Centre.
Across her 11 years in the sector, Linda has contributed through publications, magazine features, conference presentations, and guest lecturing at RMIT and La Trobe University, sharing her knowledge around nature play, risky play, and embedding First Nations perspectives.
