Bright Ideas - The Natural Start Blog
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 MoreEarly 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 MoreWatch 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 MoreGetting 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 MoreNature 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 MoreForest 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 MoreChicago Zoological Society Announces 2018 NatureStart™ Course
September 1, 2017
NatureStart™ is a week-long professional development program focusing on skill development for educators who work with young children in zoos, aquariums, and nature centers. Read MoreHelp Make the Case for Nature-Based Early Childhood Education
June 28, 2017
The Council of Nature and Forest Preschools seeks volunteers interested in collecting research findings, testimonials, and policy examples that support nature-based learning in early childhood. Read MoreYour STEM Questions Answered
February 23, 2017
Fiddleheads Forest School follows up with educators to answer questions about STEM teaching in the outdoors. Read MoreNew Grant Commits $1.75 Million to Support Outdoor Learning in Colorado
January 24, 2017
The Colorado Health Foundation has awarded the National Wildlife Federation and partners funds to support Early Childhood Health Outdoors, an initiative to bring naturalized outdoor spaces to early childhood education centers across Colorado. Read More