On August 15, KAEE partnered with Bluegrass Greensource, Jefferson Memorial Forest, and the Environmental Education Leadership Corps to bring an early childhood training to Hardin County Schools. The workshop welcomed 95 enthusiastic educators, all eager to discover new ways of connecting young learners with the natural world.
The day was centered around two cornerstone early childhood curricula, Project Learning Tree’s Trees & Me and Project WILD’s Growing Up WILD, resources that give teachers practical tools to use the environment as a foundation for teaching across all subject areas. Participants learned how nature can spark curiosity, build early science and literacy skills, and create hands-on learning opportunities for children.
KAEE Facilitators modeled what it looks like to take learning outside.. Educators enjoyed both indoor and outdoor sessions where they explored soil, investigated with worms, and experienced firsthand how playful, nature-based activities can bring lessons to life. These moments highlighted the joy and wonder that come with using the outdoors as a classroom.
With a blend of experienced KAEE Facilitators and newer facilitators, the workshop offered both expertise and fresh perspectives, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment for participants.
By the end of the training, educators left inspired, equipped, and ready to bring more outdoor exploration and environmental learning to their classrooms, helping our youngest learners grow up curious, connected, and excited about the world around them.
