Resources
Place-Based Scientific Inquiry: A Practical Handbook for Teaching Outside
Cover image for book Place Based Scientific Inquiry, showing three students touching a soil sample
A new open-access book for educators focused on justice-first and place-based scientific inquiry, following best practices from the Next Generation Science Standards.
How-to Guide for Caregiver & Child Classes
7 Recorded Sessions, View at Your Own Pace Inspired by LEAP Outside, this wonderful, one-of-a-kind resource is for those who wish to create a community-based infant/toddler/preK program. Includes four seasons of lesson plans, pre-recorded coaching sessions from LEAP founder Evie Wilkinson, and MANY, MANY downloadable shortcuts.
We're constantly looking for great resources for our members. Below is a complete list of the resources we've gathered so far. You can select the types of resources you're looking for. To select more than one type of resource, hold the control button while you make your selections.
This book is an exploration on naturalistic learning within Nature Kindergartens and Forest Schools. Using cases studies and academic research, Claire Warden explores everything that goes into setting up and coordinating a Nature Kindergarten.
NatureNatalie.com is a blog and resource site for educators, parents, and caregivers who are passionate about connecting children to nature.
Nature Natalie is a blog and resource site for educators, parents, and caregivers who want to help children connect to nature.
Most children’s playgrounds are metal, plastic, concrete and devoid of nature. These guidelines show how to create a new type of nature play and learning area with trees, shrubs, flowers, and natural materials so that children and families can experience and appreciate wildlife and nature at every place they use in every community.
Developed by the National Wildlife Federation and Natural Learning Initiative, this guide is an tool for creating enticing outdoor play spaces in your backyard, patio, or balcony. The guide contains easy-to-use instructions for creating features like edible pathways, fairy villages, areas for water or sand play, backyard habitat, and much more.
Nature Play Lifestyle provides guidance and support to engage young learners in connecting to the natural world. This YouTube Channel is more than a place to provide tips and tricks to help support others in the field, it's a community. We come together to share ideas and I guide conversations about what I've learned as a nature preschool teacher over the last 10 years. I post videos every Wednesday and Saturday.
This guide from The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association explores why nature play is important, its essential characteristics, and what organizations can do to restore children's play.
I believe that teaching is a practice. We are constantly evolving and developing our practice. I am here to listen, to guide and support you on your teaching journey. I believe in supporting, sharing knowledge and providing resources to help you develop your teaching practice. I am a nature preschool teacher and I am certified in mindfulness teaching. I live reflection ever single day so I can lead with truth. Let’s work together to develop your teaching. Let’s find ways to speak to children that works for you. Whatever your concern, I am here for the ride to help build you up.
Environmental education expert David Sobel joins with a variety of colleagues to share their experiences and steps for creating a successful forest kindergarten program.
Children will learn how to build a den from branches, make twig boats to sail across a pond, and voyage through the backyard to find tiny insects and creatures. Activities include invigorating games, natural crafts, and lively adventures, all of which are organized by season. An additional chapter also addresses safe activities for children after dark.
NWPS play yard
Young children playing in an outdoor sand and water area with a variety of loose parts.
This blog comes from the staff at Nature's Way Preschool in Austin, Texas. Check it out for engaging activity ideas, early childhood educator support, mindfulness strategies, and more!
Nature-Watch provides educational nature products and craft activity kits designed to teach children about nature. Our hands on educational materials and crafts engage, enlighten and enliven the learning experience for children while being a great resource of nature instructional materials for indoor and outdoor educators.
This award-winning documentary takes the viewer on an inspiring education journey to the Nordic North in a cinematic portrait of childhood, education, and play.
An infographic created by the National Environmental Education Foundation giving facts about why being active in nature makes kids healthier. Free printable download in English and Spanish, as a JPEG or PDF.
This stunning book examines how to develop the learning benefits of connecting children to Nature and inspires the reader to ensure that all children are gaining the benefits of this connection. Each chapter celebrates a natural element such as mud, water, sand, and shows how these readily available and in the most part free of cost resources can be used through all the seasons.