About

NICE TO MEET YOU,

I'm Ade Hofmann.

In 2017, I left over a decade of traditional teaching experience behind when I traded fluorescent lights for sunshine. Over the last seven years, I have continued to rewrite the narrative of what early childhood looks and feels like for not only children but educators.

My philosophy for early childhood education is that living is learning and that play is an essential right to for all! I believe my purpose is to teach as many educators as possible how to lean into observation and incorporate nature into uninterrupted play.

Ade's Story

I'll never forget the day I realized the children "didn't need me."

After 15+ years of trying to fit my deep-seated beliefs into a tidy, traditional box, I finally saw the light. I was visiting a school as an applicant for a teaching position, terrified and eager to make a good impression. Dressed to the nines, I was all smiles and positivity until we entered the outdoor classroom.

One child was unraveling a clothesline, while another was orchestrating the movement of a massive log. I gently asked the "foreman" what he was working on. Before he could respond, the Director appeared and said, "We don't interrupt the children's work here. Please find a place to hide and observe silently."

Stunned and concerned I had blown my chance; I hid among some trees. But as I watched, I saw the children working together, moving the log with remarkable teamwork. The foreman, a 4-year-old, directed the group with ease and confidence. They were 3, 4, and 5 years old, learning and collaborating better than any teaching team I had known.

After over a decade of traditional teaching, I traded fluorescent lights for sunshine. For the past six years, I’ve been redefining early childhood education for children, educators, caregivers, and parents. My philosophy is simple: living is learning, and play is an essential right for all. I believe in teaching educators to embrace observation and incorporate nature into uninterrupted play. I’m here to help you shake things up and disrupt early childhood education for the better.

Today, I've flipped the script on what early childhood education is "supposed to" look, sound, and feel like. Here’s a hint: the work we do with children is NOT about us.

Children need us to:

• Allow them to be themselves at every age.
• Meet them with warmth and compassion, using few words.
• Demonstrate care in silence, with simple gestures of support.
  Show up and give them the space and time to learn on their own terms.
• Be present as they create their own meaningful context for life and learning.
  The Approach

I'll practiced NOT interrupting play, talking less, and connecting more with the children I have the privilege to share space with every day. This approach is vital not only for the children's well-being and development but also for me and fellow educators, caregivers, and parents who are, frankly, burning out fast.

When we step back and create space for play-based learning, we open a portal to infinite learning. I invite you too; to learn to lean into observation and let the children lead, your life will change in countless ways.

Why I Do It

Founding Nature Play All Day in-person programming, has been a dream come true. After many years of serving communities outside of my hometown, I am so grateful to serve Waldo and Knox counties. My greatest hope is to bring more accessibility to local families.

Outside of the classroom, I work with programs, schools, and educators to bring more nature and play into their daily rhythms and routines. If you’re on the fence about changing things up in your classroom, I am your biggest cheerleader and will walk with you as you disrupt early childhood for GOOD.