IDFG schedules early learner workshop for educators

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s “WILD About Early Learners” workshop is coming to Coeur d’Alene Nov. 4-5.

This workshop offers educational materials and activities for use by educators when working with pre-Kindergarten through second-grade students. Participants at the workshop receive a specialized curriculum guide called “Wild About Early Learners” that is full of activities, music and movement, resource lists, home connections and much more! This curriculum takes activities from the acclaimed Project WILD program and packages them in a guide especially designed for young learners.

The early learners program utilizes the natural human fascination with wildlife to help students learn about many subjects, not just science or biology. A young child can learn about complex concepts like salmon migration and habitat loss, when their instructor knows how to present the principles in a method that appeals to youngsters. The activities presented in this program are clear concepts presented in a child friendly format.

While the workshop is designed primarily for teachers of preschool to second-grade learners, it contains many activities that would be of daily use to elementary school teachers, day care operators, homeschool parents, or any parent who wants to give their child a head start on learning.

The workshop will run from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Panhandle Region Office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave. in Coeur d’Alene.

This class serves as a prerequisite for any of the other specialized or advanced Project WILD classes.

The class fee is $45. An optional university credit is available through most Idaho Universities for an additional $60-75. An outside assignment is required for those who are taking the workshop for credit. Participants register and pay for credit at the workshop. Idaho STARS certification is also available.

Advance registration is required and space is limited. To register for a workshop, fill out the Early Learner Registration Form on the IDFG website; or, contact Lori Adams, Project WILD Coordinator, (208) 287-2889 or email: [email protected]

Scout leaders, teachers, parents, grandparents — this class is for you. Anyone who is involved in the life of a young child and would like to have innovative ways to incorporate the outdoors in the lives of young children should take this class.

Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting the Idaho Department of Fish and Game directly at (208) 769-1414; or through the Idaho Relay Service at (800) 377-2529 (TDD).

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Phil Cooper is a wildlife conservation educator working for Idaho Fish and Game in the Panhandle Region.