Bright Ideas - The Natural Start Blog
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
Hiring Nature Preschool Teachers: Insights from the Field
March 29, 2019
Early last fall, we published a Feature Story, “Finding Great Nature Preschool Teachers: What to Look For During the Interview,” and asked professionals in the field to share their expertise. This follow up article from Anna Dutke combines insights from four nature preschool directors on how they structure their hiring process in order to identify the best candidates. Read More
Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education
March 20, 2019
Review NAEYC's draft recommendations for educators, administrators, teacher educators, and policymakers to promote equitable learning opportunities for all children. Read More
Webinar: Making the Case for Affirming Children's Voices in Early Childhood Nature-Based Initiatives
March 12, 2019
Young children have the right to a say in matters of relevance to them. Our collaborative webinar with the Children & Nature Network presents evidence and advice for affirming children's voices in research and practice. Read More
Webinar: Nature Days in K-3 Classrooms
November 30, 2018
What does nature-based learning look like in public K-3 classrooms across North America? Watch a recording of our webinar from December 12, 2018, to find out! Read More
Save the Date for Our 2019 Conference: July 31-August 3
October 1, 2018
Join us in Manchester, NH, for engaging presentations, experiential workshops, site tours, and professional networking with nature-based early childhood professionals from around the country and beyond. Read More
Early Childhood Environmental Education at 2018 NAAEE Conference
September 24, 2018
Are you planning to participate in the North American Association for Environmental Education's 47th Annual Conference (Oct 9-13, 2018)? Check out these sessions with a focus on the youngest audiences. Read More
Watch Claire Warden's Conference Keynote, "I Wonder Why?"
September 4, 2018
Claire Warden reflects on the links that connect nature pedagogy in all of its forms across the world, as teachers learn with children inside, outside, and beyond. Read More
Getting Nature Preschoolers Ready for Kindergarten
November 29, 2017
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