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Dr. Kendall Becherer
I am an author, photographer, teacher, and learning scientist, with a degree in educational psychology from the University of Washington. I am passionate about investigating how both children and adults learn. I love thinking about ways to help families naturally integrate their children in their everyday activities, such as preparing food, enjoying the outdoors, and learning to play music. I've written several books that are intended to be shared by children & adults, to facilitate learning as well as relationship building.
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In 2014, I co-founded TOAD School, an outdoor school that meets in public parks and on a local farm. I was looking for a space to help my (then 6-month-old) son learn to enjoy the outdoors. I grew up mostly indoors, doing art, music, studying and teaching. I thought that because I didn't like bugs or being cold that meant I didn't like being outdoors, but I've learned that there are so many other things to love about nature (and I can manage my discomfort). I have worked intentionally to make nature more a part of our family's life, and through this experience I have learned a lot about outdoor learning and child development, nature schools, forest kindergartens, outdoor gear and safety, and many other topics related to outdoor schooling.
In the fall of 2016, I trained with Erin Kenny at Cedarsong Forest Kindergarten on Vashon Island, earning a level 3 certificate. From 2016 to 2018 I was co-director of the Washington Nature Preschool Association (WaNPA), where I helped coordinate Gatherings of 40+ Washington State outdoor school teachers and administrators. I gave a presentation at the 2017 Nature-based Preschool National Conference on "Helping Parents Understand the Ins & Outs of Outdoor Schooling."
In the fall of 2016, I trained with Erin Kenny at Cedarsong Forest Kindergarten on Vashon Island, earning a level 3 certificate. From 2016 to 2018 I was co-director of the Washington Nature Preschool Association (WaNPA), where I helped coordinate Gatherings of 40+ Washington State outdoor school teachers and administrators. I gave a presentation at the 2017 Nature-based Preschool National Conference on "Helping Parents Understand the Ins & Outs of Outdoor Schooling."