Supporting Nature-Based Teaching
At the Harris Center, we specialize in connecting required curriculum to the local landscape through active, outdoor, inquiry-based learning. Harris Center educators freely share their knowledge and resources to help classroom teachers become the place-based educators they dream to be.
Professional learning with the Harris Center comes in many forms:
- Embedded professional development, as we co-teach with classroom teachers in ConVal, Jaffrey-Rindge, Keene, Stoddard, and SAU 29 schools in our classic school-based environmental education programs
- Afterschool mini-workshops on topics such as games to build nature observation skills, nature journaling, bird curriculum through the seasons, and wild mammal evidence
- Custom-designed workshops for a whole school. Examples include The First Six Weeks of School Outside and The Contoocook River as a Whole-School Curriculum Theme
In the Words of Participating Teachers….
“It’s been so enriching to be in this year-long support group. I know that my imagination will be refreshed during each meeting. I leave each session with ideas to use right away.”
“My students have grown to be increasingly comfortable, curious, and calm outdoors. I am motivated to spend more and more time teaching outside.”
“Because we have routines for weekly learning outdoors my students are slowing down and noticing so much more. They now meander, rather than rush.”
Upcoming Teacher Workshops
Exploring Birds in the Classroom for K–5 Teachers: A Zoom Talk with Tina Ramsey
4:15 pm to 5:30 pm
Join Tina Ramsey for this free Teacher Talk where she’ll share how her year-long bird study helps 3rd-grade students build skills in science, writing, math, and reading, while fostering confidence in outdoor learning.
Learn more »Exploring Nature with Young Children: A Workshop for Pre-K–2nd Grade Teachers
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Join Harris Center teacher-naturalists for a hands-on workshop to spark fresh ideas for outdoor spring teaching. Discover creative activities, from story cloths to sensory games, and connect with peers while preparing to explore nature with young children.
Learn more »A Gentle Pathway into Bird Studies: A Workshop for Teachers
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Join Harris Center teacher-naturalists Jenna Spear and Jaime Hutchinson for this fun, energizing professional development workshop for teachers of all grades. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a novice, you’ll come away from this workshop with the confidence that you can help your students discover the fascinating world of local birds.
Learn more »Starting the School Year with Nature as Your Co-Teacher
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Join Harris Center teacher-naturalists Jenna Spear and Jaime Hutchinson for this fun and energizing professional development workshop for K to 5th-grade teachers. The first two months of school are the perfect time to establish a class culture that includes focused, nature-based learning. This workshop will kick off your outdoor planning by offering numerous strategies for including fresh-air learning during the school day.
Learn more »Contact Us
For more information on the Harris Center’s school-based environmental education programming, please contact Jenna Spear at (603) 525-3394 or by email.
