Feb 2026: Engaging Kids in Permaculture Basics Course

An online course titled "Introduction to Engaging Children in Permaculture" is scheduled for February 2026, aimed at educators and parents interested in integrating permaculture principles into children's learning experiences. This course is designed for a diverse audience, including teachers in schools and nurseries, forest school leaders, nature kindergarten teachers, and parents, among other educators.

The course is structured as a live online program, taking place on four consecutive Tuesdays: February 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th, 2026. Each session will run for approximately three and a quarter hours. The timings are set to accommodate participants across different time zones: 5:30 pm to 8:45 pm GMT for those in the UK, 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm Central Standard Time for participants in regions like Texas, USA, and 6:30 pm to 9:45 pm Central European Time for those in countries such as France.

Permaculture, at its core, involves collaborating with natural systems, drawing upon careful observation and a deep understanding of the principles that govern these systems. The course emphasizes that childhood is an optimal period for children to develop a connection with nature and comprehend its workings through interactive play and experimental activities.

The curriculum will cover several key areas. Participants will explore how permaculture ethics and principles can be effectively applied within an educational context. This includes examining how communication styles, chosen activities, and the design of learning environments can reflect permaculture values. A significant portion of the course will focus on the advantages of outdoor learning, incorporating relevant research findings. Attendees will learn to develop session plans that engage children holistically, stimulating their visual, emotional, practical, and intellectual faculties through active participation in lessons, such as those centered on soil.

Furthermore, the course will delve into various garden designs suitable for both school and home settings. It will also include practical activities, such as soil testing, to provide hands-on experience. A central theme will be the exploration of diverse activities that can be undertaken with children, with a particular emphasis on how the approach to engaging children can unlock an endless array of potential learning opportunities. The program also aims to foster connections among participants, creating a community of like-minded individuals.

The course is categorized under "People / Social Permaculture," indicating its focus on human interactions and community building within the permaculture framework. It is entirely online, making it accessible to a wide geographical audience.

The cost of the course is tiered to accommodate different financial situations. The "Organisation/good wage/pay it forward" rate is £180. For those who are waged, the cost is £120. A reduced rate of £80 is available for individuals with a low household income (below £13,000). There is also an unwaged rate of £40, primarily for students, with a maximum of two places available at this price point.

The course will be led by certified teachers Lusi Alderslowe and Annette Argabright. There are no apprentice teacher positions available for this particular course. For inquiries, Annette Argabright can be contacted via email at childrenpermaculture@gmail.com or by phone at +44 7787376475. The course website, where registration can be completed, is permaculturechildren.org/intro-course.