• Journaling as a Strategy for Documenting Early Learning in Nature-Based Settings

    Nature journals can help to develop children's observational and representational skills while serving as tangible developmental reference points for teachers, parents, and the children themselves.

  • 2018 World of Wonder Conference

    Join 300 nature-based early learning professionals for four days of professional development and networking in Chicago this August at the collaborative World of Wonder Conference. Registration is now open!

  • Member Spotlight: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

    Young patrons of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science can climb a tree in the Preschool Room, play with puppets, visit animal habitats, and listen to captivating stories under the guidance of preschool education staff.

  • Put Your Program on the Map!

    Check out Natural Start's new searchable map and list to see schools and organizations that are part of the Alliance. Join today to put your program on the map!

  • Journaling as a Strategy for Documenting Early Learning in Nature-Based Settings
  • 2018 World of Wonder Conference
  • Member Spotlight: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
  • Put Your Program on the Map!

Bright Ideas

Getting Nature Preschoolers Ready for Kindergarten

How do nature-based early learning programs support growth across the development domains and foster skills that prepare students for kindergarten? Join Natural Start Alliance members to discuss this topic in an upcoming webinar and Twitter chat. Read More

Nature Preschools and Kindergartens at Record Numbers in the U.S.

Nature-based preschools and kindergartens continue to rise in popularity in the United States. A national survey of nature-based early childhood educators conducted in 2017 identified more than 250 nature preschools and forest kindergartens operating across the country. Read More

Forest Days Evaluation Report Documents Benefits and Key Ingredients for Success

A recent evaluation report on the Forest Days initiative in Vermont and New Hampshire schools finds that programs not only support academic learning but also offer social, emotional, physical, and community benefits to participants. Read More
View all Bright Ideas

Feature Story

Journaling as a Strategy for Documenting Early Learning in Nature-Based Settings

How can we document early learning in the outdoors? Nature journals can help to develop children's observational and representational skills while serving as tangible developmental reference points for parents, educators, and the children themselves. Read More
View all Feature Stories

Member Spotlight

Dr. Deborah Schein

Dr. Deborah Schein is an expert in children's spiritual development, and she believes that it can be nurtured through experiences in and with nature. Read More
View all Member Spotlights