The Natural Classroom Specialist®
A Self-Paced Professional Learning Course for Early Childhood Educators
Bring nature, play, and purposeful teaching together in the classroom you already have.
I believe you can love a good lesson plan, meet your learning standards, and still make plenty of room for mud pies, curious little minds, and unexpected discoveries.
That’s the heart of Teach the TK Way™.
And it’s why I created The Natural Classroom Specialist®, a self-paced professional learning course designed to help early childhood educators bring those ideas into their everyday teaching.
Through four modules built around The LEAF Method™ (Learn, Explore, Act, and Flourish), we’ll explore intentional classroom environments, nature-connected learning, and practical ways to bring play and purpose together while working within the curriculum and expectations you already have.
One course. Four modules. Lifetime access.
$147 one-time payment
What Could This Look Like in Your Classroom?
Maybe you want to make better use of your outdoor space, bring more natural materials into your learning centers, or find new ways to connect children’s curiosity to the standards you’re teaching.
Or maybe you’re simply interested in learning more about how play, nature, and thoughtful planning can work together.
Wherever you’re starting, The Natural Classroom Specialist® gives you an opportunity to explore those ideas, reflect on your own teaching, and find practical ways to put what you’re learning into action.
And that’s where The LEAF Method™ comes in.
Let's Talk About What This Actually Looks Like
A nature-inspired classroom doesn’t have to mean wooden toys, matching baskets, or a perfectly arranged shelf.
Sometimes it’s a collection of rocks children gathered outside, a science center filled with interesting things to investigate, or a lesson plan that leaves room for an unexpected question.
Inside The Natural Classroom Specialist®, we’ll look at how to make thoughtful choices about your classroom spaces, materials, routines, and learning experiences. We’ll explore how to recognize the learning happening through play, connect those experiences to your standards, and create opportunities for children to follow their curiosity.
And because every classroom is different, you’ll have opportunities to consider what makes sense for your own students, schedule, and teaching environment.
The goal isn’t to create a classroom that looks like mine. It’s to understand the thinking behind the choices you make in yours.
Here’s something I’ve learned over the years: what works for one group of children might look completely different with the next. Even within the same classroom, what works for one child might not work for another.
That’s why I want you to leave this course with more than a plan or a list of activities. I want you to have a toolbox of skills, strategies, and ideas you can return to, adapt, and build on as your classroom changes.
And we don’t have to figure it all out at once. You’ll have lifetime access to revisit the lessons and resources whenever you need them, whether that’s tomorrow, next semester, or three years from now.
Learn on Your Schedule. Come Back Whenever You Need To.
The Natural Classroom Specialist® is one complete, self-paced course with four modules built around The LEAF Method™.
When you enroll, you’ll receive immediate access to the course, so you can get started whenever you’re ready. Work through the lessons at your own pace, revisit the resources as often as you’d like, and take what you’re learning into your classroom a little at a time.
And because classrooms change from year to year, your learning doesn’t have to end when you finish the last module.
Your one-time $147 purchase includes lifetime access to the course materials, so you can return to the lessons, tools, and resources throughout the lifetime of the course.
One course. Four modules. Immediate access. Lifetime learning.
Every Classroom Will Look a Little Different
One of my favorite things about working with educators is seeing how they take what they’ve learned and make it their own.
Some teachers begin by rethinking their classroom spaces and materials. Others find new ways to bring nature into their daily routines, connect learning to their local community, or build on the interests of the children in front of them.
And that’s exactly how it should be. What works beautifully in one classroom might look completely different in another.
Here’s how two educators took ideas from The Natural Classroom Specialist® and made them work in their own teaching environments.
What You'll Learn: The LEAF Method™
Four Modules. One Framework You Can Return to Year After Year.
The LEAF Method™ is how I’ve organized everything you’ll learn inside The Natural Classroom Specialist®. Each module builds on the one before it, moving from understanding the research and thinking behind intentional learning environments to exploring possibilities, putting ideas into practice, and continuing to grow as an educator.
Learn. Explore. Act. Flourish.
You can move through the four modules at your own pace, revisit the lessons whenever you need them, and take what works for your classroom into the next school year and beyond.
Learn
Understand the Thinking Behind Intentional Learning Environments
We’ll start by looking at what makes a learning environment meaningful for young children. You’ll explore the research, principles, and practical considerations behind classroom spaces that support curiosity, independence, and purposeful learning.
Before changing anything in your classroom, you’ll have an opportunity to understand why certain approaches work and how they might fit into your own teaching environment.
Explore
Look at Your Classroom Through a New Lens
Now it’s time to explore the possibilities. We’ll look at what makes learning spaces effective, consider the role of inspiration and vision boards, and examine how your local standards connect to the experiences you want to create.
This is where you’ll begin thinking about your own classroom, the children you teach, and what you might want to keep, adjust, or try differently.
Act
Turn Your Ideas Into a Plan You Can Actually Use
Here’s where thoughtful planning meets real classroom life. You’ll work through short- and long-term goals, create a realistic timeline for making changes, and consider how to communicate your ideas with administrators, families, and other people involved in your program.
You’ll also explore ways to create hands-on learning experiences that connect children’s interests with your teaching goals.
The idea isn’t to change everything at once. It’s to have a plan that works within your classroom, your schedule, and your responsibilities.
Flourish
Keep Learning, Adjusting, and Growing
Your classroom won’t look exactly the same every year, and that’s a good thing.
In this final module, we’ll look at how to build on what you’ve learned, continue developing your approach, and grow in your understanding of intentional, nature-connected teaching.
You’ll also explore what it means to develop your professional identity as a Natural Classroom Specialist® and connect with other educators who share an interest in bringing nature, play, and purpose together.
A Little Guidance, a Lot of Practical Tools
I’m a Type A planner with a messy Type B teacher heart. Give me a color-coded lesson plan, an organized classroom, and a fresh set of markers, and I’m happy. But I’m also the teacher who will happily toss the plan aside when a group of curious little learners discovers a worm on the playground.
Because sometimes that’s where the best learning happens!
I created The Natural Classroom Specialist® with both sides of teaching in mind. I wanted to give you more than research and good ideas. I wanted you to have practical tools to help you plan with purpose while still leaving room for the wonder, curiosity, and unexpected magic of childhood.
Along with the four LEAF modules, you’ll find video lessons, workbooks, planning tools, printables, and classroom activities you can make your own.
And here’s the best part. You don’t have to do it all, use every resource, or completely rethink your classroom overnight. Take what works, leave what doesn’t, and come back when you’re ready for something new.
Think of it as your teacher toolbox. One you can keep adding to, reaching into, and adapting as your students, classroom, and teaching journey change.
Because I’m not here to give you another program to follow perfectly. I’m here to help you find the freedom to teach with intention AND leave room for a little magic.
Good Ideas Are Meant to Get Their Hands Dirty
A Peek Inside The Natural Classroom Specialist®
I’m all for learning the research and understanding the why behind what we do. But I’m also a big believer in rolling up our sleeves and trying things out.
Free the glitter. Bring out the glue. Let the mud pies happen! Childhood is full of wonder, magic, messy discoveries, and those wonderful little moments we never could have planned. And here’s the thing: we can make room for all of that while still teaching with purpose.
Inside the course, you’ll find workbooks, planning tools, classroom examples, and hands-on resources to help you take what you’re learning and make it work for the children in front of you. Some ideas you’ll use tomorrow. Others might be just what you need next school year.
Make Room For Wonder
What if your classroom could reflect the children learning in it instead of the latest classroom decorating trend?
Explore the ideas behind Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and other approaches to intentional learning environments. You’ll learn how to look at your classroom with fresh eyes, rethink materials and spaces, and create an environment that supports curiosity, independence, and meaningful play.
No classroom makeover required. Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference.
Take Learning Beyond Four Walls
You don’t need a forest school, a fancy outdoor classroom, or perfect weather to make nature part of your teaching.
Discover ways to bring learning outdoors, explore your local community, and use everyday discoveries to support meaningful learning. From outdoor investigations to hands-on activities, you’ll find ideas you can adapt to your own space, schedule, and students.
Because sometimes the best classroom has a little dirt on the floor.
Play With Purpose (and a Plan!)
I’m a big believer in play. I’m also a big believer in knowing what we’re teaching and why.
Inside the course, we’ll explore how hands-on learning, sensory experiences, and child-led discoveries can connect with your curriculum and learning standards.
You’ll find practical examples, activities, and planning tools to help you bring more play into your day without feeling like you’re abandoning your lesson plans.
Yes, you can love your color-coded planner AND let the kids take the lead.
The Tools Behind the Magic
The magic of childhood doesn’t mean we stop planning. It means we plan thoughtfully and leave room for the unexpected.
You’ll have access to classroom-tested printables, curriculum mapping tools, editable planning resources, nature-based activities, and guides for connecting with families and administrators.
Use what fits your classroom today. Then save the rest for another season, another group of students, or that moment when you need a fresh idea.
Your classroom will most likely change; it’s OK for your toolbox to grow with you.
Ready to Make a Little More Room for Magic & Wonder?
You don’t have to choose between lesson plans and muddy boots, learning standards and child-led play, or a beautifully organized classroom and a little creative chaos.
You can have both. And I’d love to help you find that balance.
One complete, self-paced course that includes:
All four LEAF Method™ modules: Learn, Explore, Act, Flourish
Video lessons and bonus trainings
Workbooks, planning guides, and classroom resources
15+ classroom-tested printable resources
Immediate access to course materials
Learn at your own pace, revisit lessons whenever you need a little inspiration, and make the ideas your own.
From Checkout to Classroom: Here's What Happens Next
1. Make It Official
Complete your one-time $147 payment through our secure checkout. No subscriptions, no surprise monthly charges.
The Natural Classroom Specialist® has been helping educators since 2018, and I have no plans to go anywhere! Your one-time purchase gives you access to the course and its resources for as long as the course remains available. My hope is to keep growing and evolving this little corner of Teach the TK Way™ for years to come.
2. Let the Internet Fairies Work Their Magic
Your course access instructions will be fluttering their way to your inbox!
Give those digital fairies a few minutes to do their thing. Can’t find your email? Take a little nature hunt through your spam or promotions folder. Sometimes the internet likes to hide things in unexpected places.
3. Grab Your Coffee & Come On In!
Log in, take a look around, and start exploring.
Watch a lesson, download a workbook, or start planning your next classroom adventure.
There’s no rush, no homework due tomorrow, and definitely no expectation that you’ll transform your classroom overnight.
Just thoughtful teaching, a little curiosity, and plenty of room for magic.
A Few Questions Before You Get Your Hands Dirty?
There’s no deadline, no rushing, and no homework due tomorrow!
The Natural Classroom Specialist® is completely self-paced. Work through the four LEAF modules when it fits your schedule, and come back to the lessons and resources whenever you need them.
Your one-time purchase includes access for as long as the course remains available. And while I can’t promise forever, this little corner of Teach the TK Way™ has been around since 2018, and I have no plans to go anywhere!
A computer or tablet, an internet connection, and maybe your favorite notebook and a cup of coffee!
Everything is online, including the video lessons, workbooks, and downloadable resources.
You don’t need to purchase special classroom materials or completely redesign your learning space to get started.
Nope! And that’s one of my favorite things about it.
The Natural Classroom Specialist® isn’t a boxed curriculum or another program you have to squeeze into your already busy teaching day.
It’s a framework and a toolbox of ideas, strategies, and resources you can use alongside the curriculum and standards you’re already responsible for teaching.
Absolutely! In fact, that’s exactly why I created Teach the TK Way™.
I spent years teaching in traditional classrooms, where there were standards to meet, schedules to follow, and plenty of expectations that didn’t always leave room for the kind of childhood experiences I believed in.
You don’t have to teach in a forest school, Montessori classroom, or Reggio-inspired program to bring more nature, play, and intentional learning into your day.
We’ll explore how to take inspiration from different approaches and make them work within your own teaching environment.
Then you’re my kind of teacher!
You don’t need expensive wooden toys, fancy classroom furniture, or an entirely new set of materials to create meaningful learning experiences.
Sometimes it’s about looking at what you already have a little differently.
We’ll explore ways to rethink your space, use everyday materials, and make thoughtful changes without feeling like you need to start from scratch.
You don’t have to love bugs, camping, or getting muddy to make room for nature in your classroom!
Maybe you start with a nature collection on a shelf, a few leaves brought in from the playground, or an outdoor observation activity.
And if you do love getting your hands dirty, there’s plenty of room for that, too!
The goal isn’t to turn every teacher into an outdoor educator. It’s to help you notice opportunities for curiosity, exploration, and meaningful learning wherever you teach.
That’s completely up to you.
There isn’t a required daily commitment or a schedule you need to keep up with.
You might watch a lesson one evening, work through a planning activity over the weekend, or spend a few weeks trying an idea before moving on.
The goal isn’t to finish as quickly as possible. It’s to take what you’re learning and make it meaningful for your classroom.
Wonderful! You don’t need to change everything to benefit from this course.
Maybe you already have a beautiful learning space, meaningful routines, and plenty of opportunities for play.
The Natural Classroom Specialist® can help you look at what’s already working, explore new possibilities, and find fresh ways to connect children’s interests, learning standards, and the world around them.
Because even after 26 years in education, I still believe there’s always something new to learn.
Great question! I know how important professional development hours and continuing education credits can be, especially when you’re working toward license renewal.
Teach the TK Way™ works with Courses4Teachers and the University of the Pacific to provide opportunities for graduate-level professional development credit.
University credit requires separate registration and additional fees. Since every state, district, and licensing agency has different requirements, I always recommend checking that the credits will meet your specific needs before registering.
Want to learn more? Visit the Teach the TK Way™ Graduate Credit Information Page to explore the available options.
University credit is not automatically included with your Natural Classroom Specialist® course purchase.
Still Have a Question? I'm Just an Email Away!
Sometimes you just want to ask a real person before making a decision. I get it!
If there’s something I haven’t answered, send me a note at tina@teachthetkway.com. I’m happy to help you figure out whether The Natural Classroom Specialist® is a good fit for you and your classroom.
And if you’re ready to make a little more room for wonder, I’d love to have you learning alongside me!
In Case We Haven't Met... Hi, I'm Tina!
I’m an early childhood educator, former classroom teacher and director, and the creator of Teach the TK Way™ and The Natural Classroom Specialist®.
After 26 years in education, I’ve learned that meaningful, hands-on learning and academic expectations don’t have to compete. There’s room for both, even in the most traditional classrooms.
I’m the teacher who loves a beautifully organized, color-coded planner just as much as getting outside with children to investigate whatever creepy crawly they’ve discovered.
I created The Natural Classroom Specialist® to share the ideas, research, and practical tools I’ve gathered along the way, so you can find what works for your students, your classroom, and your teaching style.
Because there’s no one perfect way to create a natural classroom. There’s the way that works for you.
Share this document with Admin and learn more about University Credits…Click Here
A Little Something Extra for Your Professional Learning
Did you know that Teach the TK Way™ also offers opportunities to pursue graduate-level credit through Courses4Teachers and the University of the Pacific?
If you’re working toward professional development goals, salary advancement, or continuing education requirements, this may be an option worth exploring!
Graduate-level credit requires separate registration and additional fees. Eligibility and acceptance depend on your school or district’s requirements.
You’ll find more information about the available options and next steps inside the course.
