Events and Training

Next 3-Day Intensive Training:
June 1 - June 3, 2015
Current research and best practice indicate that optimal learning happens when children are “in relationship” and actively engaged with their surroundings. Children’s Lands is an internationally recognized initiative that is supported by UNESCO as being a best practice in education for sustainable development. At its core, the Children’s Lands Methodology recognizes children as valued members of society and powerful caretakers of the natural world. Children's Lands provides children with opportunities to make decisions that benefit themselves, other people and the natural world. In doing so, children learn to see themselves as important and necessary members of their community. Children’s Lands nurtures the four foundations for optimal learning that the Ministry of Education has highlighted in their professional learning resource guide, “How Does Learning Happen?”: Sense of Belonging, Well-being, Engagement and Expression.

Training opportunities will introduce educators to the philosophy behind Children’s Lands and provide a framework that has been tested for 20 years in various countries throughout the world. Educators will be invited to engage in reflective practice and thought-provoking conversations with each other about their current programs. Participants will learn practical and meaningful strategies to strengthen and transform their classrooms and school yards into child-centred environments where children will be encouraged to use their insights and creative capabilities. In the process, children will be given consistent opportunities to build loving and authentic relationships with the natural world.

Family Inspiration Days
We will be offering Family Inspiration Days throughout the year. These days are designed to introduce parents and childrento the Children’s Lands Initiative and to give each family the tools they need to implement a Children’s Land in their home. Parents and children are invited to spend the day at our farm where children have been implementing the program for over three years. The day will begin with some interactive games and activities. Children will be introduced to the story of Ania and invited to joinher team of children who are implementing Children’s Lands throughout the world. Children and parents will be shown why Children’s Lands are important and how every child can bring positive change to their environment. There will be a tour of Thunderbird Riverland, Hands to Hands (the Children’s Land on site) and facilitators will lead the children through an “Environmental Diagnosis” and a “Group Visioning Session” so that parents can leave feeling confident about repeating the process with their children at home.

Trainings will run from 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Families are invited to bring a lunch and are advised to dress for all weather conditions (rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen etc.).

For more information about our Family Inspiration Days, please contact Jackie at plantseedsofhope@gmail.com.

Three-Day Certification Training - $475
Designed to give facilitators a clear understanding of the Children’s Lands Methodology. Participants will leave with numerous tools to motivate, encourage and support their children as they begin to implement the program within their school or organization. The course offers in-depth discussions about current practices and environmental concerns, underlying philosophies and how to encourage a new way of thinking. The course also investigates the ideology around decision making and the importance of honouring and respecting children's rights. Participants will receive three course manuals, electronic copies of presentations and information, certificate of completion and membership to Children’s Lands Canada with access to mentorship, support and ideas from other educators and community leaders in Canada.

Upcoming Courses:
March 30, 31, April 1 (2015)
April 20, 21, 22 (2015)

One Day Introductory Training - $125
Ideal for those interested in learning more about Children’s Lands, or for staff wanting to assist and support an already trained facilitator within their organization. Participants will learn useful tools to inspire, motivate and support the children that they work with. It is understood that at least one member of each organization must complete the three-day certification course for their site to be recognized /certified as an official Children’s Lands location. (Participants who decide to take the full certification course can deduct the cost of this training from the three-day certification fee).

Upcoming Courses:
Friday, Nov 28 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Monday, January 19 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Monday, March 9 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

“We Come To You” Professional Development Keynote / 3 Hour / 6 Hour Workshop
Invite Jackie Ryan (international speaker, CLC executive director) and Tonja Clark (OCT, lead trainer, co-facilitator) to work with your staff for a half day (3 hour) or full day (6 hour) training. Workshops will give an overview of the Children’s Lands methodology and invite staff to examine their current practice and how to make small changes within their classroom/organization to encourage the development of empathy and meaningful relationships with themselves, each other and the natural world. Staff will leave with simple yet effective tools for implementing key areas of the methodology within their organization. Cost for each session is a sliding scale and depends on the organization's resources and the number of participants... Please contact Jackie Ryan at plantseedsofhope@gmail.com for more details. It is understood that at least one member of each organization must complete the three-day certification course for their site to be recognized /certified as an official Children’s Lands location..

Available Dates:
Friday, Jan 12
Friday, Jan 23
Friday, Feb 13
Friday April 24
Friday, June 5