Take a Child Outside Week

A Parent and Educator Lecture
Linda Kinney, North Carolina Zoo

"The Importance of Play"

Thursday, September 29, 2016 – 6:30 pm–7:30 pm

Take a Child Outside week runs annually from September 24 to September 30. The week is an initiative of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences with the goal of "helping children across the country develop a better understanding and appreciation of the environment in which they live."

adult playing

Special Parent/Educator Lecture – The Importance of Play

Playful, inspired, engaged adults can expand children's potential to explore and experience nature through play!

Join us for a engaging lecture by Linda Kinney, M.A. play and playwork, from the NC Zoo on how you as a parent, grandparent, educator, or any adult that works with children can enhance children's opportunities for exploration and play outside. Learn strategies to incorporate nature play into programs, curriculum, and everyday life.

Play is the way children explore the world around them and an ideal vehicle for establishing a relationship with nature. This evening session emphasizes play in nature and how to take advantage of the many affordances provided by the natural world.

Participants will explore the value of play and the importance of the adult in support of the playing child. The session will look at creative approaches to planning for play and practical applications for nature play.

About Linda

For the past seventeen years, Linda Kinney has worked in the Education Division at the North Carolina Zoo. Linda manages the Zoo's School Outreach, Summer Camps, and Nature Play programs. She also leads professional development trainings for educators.

Linda recently received her M.A. in play and playwork from the University of Gloucestershire in England and is utilizing the playwork degree to supplement her work on approaches to facilitating play as a means of support for professionals who encourage children and young people's opportunities to play outdoors. Linda also partners with regional and national communities to encourage and support children and their families' engagement with nature in their local neighborhoods. Linda is committed to advocating for playing children and can often be found playing outside.

For more about Linda and Playful Pedagogy check out Playful Pedagogy at the NC Zoo.

Age: Parents, educators, grandparents, volunteers, child care workers, any adult interested in learning about playing outside!
Cost: $10.00 per member, $15.00 per nonmember, and $5.00 for enrolled NC State University students.
Registration: Register online to save your spot.
Cancellation: Although we understand that unexpected things happen, cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to event will not receive a refund.
Location: JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4115 Beryl Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Directions: Need directions? Click here.
Parking: Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.
Questions: Please contact Elizabeth Overcash, children's program coordinator, at elizabeth_overcash@ncsu.edu or (919) 513-7011.