Inspired by Nature: Elephants & Environments

Be inspired by nature and explore the art and science of designing early childhood environments that nurture curiosity, wonder and whole child development. Guided by internationally acclaimed authors Dr. Sandra Duncan and Christine Burkholder, this course weaves the lessons learned from elephants with innovative design principles of habituation and affordances. Based on their book, Inspired by Nature, discover new ways of thinking about classroom design and learn simple strategies to create enriching, intentional and beautiful spaces for the young children in your program.

What's included?

  • Video Presentations
  • Course Activities
  • Certificate of Completion

Learning Objectives

  • Explore habituation in classroom design and the impact on children when taking this concept into consideration
  • Learn the difference between decorating a space and the more meaningful approach to designing spaces
  • Identify strategies to reduce visual distraction and make intentional use of wall space in the early childhood environment

Learn at Your Pace

This course provides 4 hours of professional development for early childhood educators.

Participants are required to watch the training videos and complete the activities. Participants must receive a score of 80% or higher to receive credit for this course. 

Course certificates are emailed upon successful completion.
Meet the instructor

Dr. Sandra Duncan

Sandra works to assure the miracle and magic of childhood through indoor and outdoor play spaces that are intentionally designed to connect young children to their early learning environments, communities, and neighborhoods. Dr. Duncan is an international consultant, author of seven books focused on the environmental design of early childhood places, designer of two furniture collections called Sense of Place and Sense of Place for Wee Ones, and adjunct faculty at Nova Southeastern University. Sandra has designed and taught university courses on built learning environments and has collaborated with architects, interior designers, and educators to create extraordinary places and possibilities for children and students of all ages.
Patrick Jones - Course author