Bright Ideas - The Natural Start Blog
Take the #OutdoorsAll4 Challenge This Winter
January 8, 2020
Tinkergarten is aiming to get families outdoors for 2 hours per week over the next 10 weeks. Will you take the pledge? Read More
The Stories You Loved in 2019
December 23, 2019
From popular resources to play-focused policy, take a look at the topics and trends that caught the attention of Natural Start members in 2019. Read More
Webinar Recap: Washington Outdoor Preschool Pilot
December 4, 2019
In a webinar hosted by Natural Start, Aliza Yair provides an overview of the Washington Outdoor Preschool Pilot Program, followed by a brief Q&A. Read More
2019 Nature-Based Early Learning Conference Recap
September 3, 2019
In August 2019, Natural Start gathered over 300 nature-based early learning professionals from 41 states, 5 countries, and 3 continents. Here we look back on the event and all the things that made it great this year, including an inspiring keynote address from Dr. Peter Gray, laugh out loud selfies, field trips, and so much more! Read More
Resources from Dr. Peter Gray
August 8, 2019
Download resources from the 2019 Nature-Based Early Learning Conference. Read More
Association of Zoos and Aquariums at the 2019 Natural Start Conference
June 11, 2019
There are more than a dozen nature preschools and many more early childhood programs at zoos and aquariums across the country. Hear from several zoo and aquarium professionals at the 2019 Natural Start Conference! Read More
Advocating for Nature-Based Early Care and Education
April 26, 2019
What is advocacy? And what does it look like in action? These resources will help you to make the case for the importance of nature in young children’s care and education, and to expand access to high-quality programming for all children. Read More
Parents Guide to Nature-Based Early Learning
April 25, 2019
When adults model respect for nature, encourage a sense of wonder and curiosity, and allow time for outdoor play, young children begin to develop a relationship with the natural world that can last a lifetime. Read More
Nature-Based Early Learning in Public Schools
April 23, 2019
An increasing number of public schools are integrating nature and the outdoors into kindergarten and elementary classrooms. These resources provide an overview of nature-based learning in public schools, from research to real-world examples. Read More
Nature Preschools 101
April 22, 2019
What are the benefits of nature-based early learning? How do you define a nature preschool? Where are the nature preschools and forest kindergartens in the U.S. and around the world? We've gone back to the basics and compiled our best introductory resources on nature preschools. Read More