Bright Ideas - The Natural Start Blog
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
Nature Preschools and Kindergartens at Record Numbers in the U.S.
November 17, 2017
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
September 5, 2017
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