With Monica Wiedel-Lubinski of the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS)

How can educators and guardians best guide and facilitate hands-on nature play among children? It starts with being hands-off and letting kids explore, experiment, inquire — heck, even make a few mistakes — in an unstructured outdoor environment, big or small. Nature play expert Monica Wiedel-Lubinski joined us to talk about these ideas and more, including the differences between risks and hazards, the value of loose-parts play, and her favourite activities from her new book, which she co-wrote with Karen Madigan.    

Guest:

Naturalist and educator Monica Wiedel-Lubinski is the director of the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS), which builds capacity for equitable nature-based education through professional development. She co-founded the Wild Haven Forest Preschool in 2017 as well as the Notchcliff Nature Preschool at Glen Meadows Retirement Community  in 2019. Monica also works as a keynote speaker and consultant for nature-based schools and natural play spaces. Her book Nature Play Workshop for Families, co-authored with Karen Madigan, was published in 2020 by Quarry Books.