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.
These nature play signs and t-shirts are visual ways to spread the word about the importance of connecting children to nature.
With crazy creatures to build, challenging games to play, and outrageous spaces to sculpt, author Birgitta Ralston, has imagined the most creative ways to play in the snow. Each entry includes complete step-by-step text instructions, plus explanatory line drawings with full-color photographs of frozen glory.
Spinner Wheel
SpinnerWheel.com- Spinner Wheel is a free online tool that allows for a flexible and engaging approach to learning. It has many use-cases for any subject.
In this collection of articles from NAEYC’s journal Young Children, teachers of children from infancy through age 8 will learn about using nature education, to involve families and the community, and to encourage children’s appreciation of the natural world. The book offers questions and activities to reflect on current practices and incorporate new ones.
Four free, activity-based teaching units for students 2.9 to 5 years old (on birds, soil, trees, and weather) from Mass Audubon.
This workshop will help to guide you in how to support your young learners in connecting to the natural world. We will discuss what nature play can look like, provide supportive tips on how to get started and offer ideas for hands on tools to bring outside to inspire nature play. This workshop is perfect for a nature based educators and caregivers of young learners.
From advising parents to foster creativity to guiding them in “power-sharing” techniques to resolve conflicts and generate empathy, Carlsson-Paige offers steps parents can take to create time and space for creative play, a feeling of safety in today’s often frightening world, and meaningful relationships with both adults and other children.
Learn to teach outside even if you’re not outdoorsy! This eBook is written for teachers, parents, caregivers, and mentors who understand the value and importance of having their children spend time in nature but may not have the time, resources, or ability to dedicate a regular part of their schedule to outdoor education. No matter how much time you have or advanced preparation you’ve done, there are things you can do with your students outside that are fun, educational, and worthwhile. This book contains 20 detailed, Common Core-aligned, step-by-step activities that are categorized by grade level, time needed, materials needed, “readiness level,” and subject. They are designed to be accessible for everyone, regardless of your comfort level with the great outdoors. The activities are designed for children in grades Pre-K through 5 but can easily be adapted for other ages and stages as well.
Full of real-life activities, examples, and educator resources to take the fun of STEM outside, this book will help teachers articulate connections between nature play, outdoor experiences, and STEM learning in young children.
Published by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), this magazine for preschool educators is focused on hands-on classroom strategies. Like its sister magazine, Young Children, this magazine is of general interest in preschool education, and it often includes stories related to environmental education.
If we are to create a brighter future, the world's children must understand their role in safeguarding and improving the environment. Teachers have the potential to create future generations of responsible citizens. The purpose is to assist teachers in dealing with environmental concerns within the scope of the existing school curricula, rather than in addition to it.
In this unique collaboration, two naturalists ask what may happen now that so many more children are denied exposure to wildness than at any other time in human history.
This updated and expanded edition of The Great Outdoors will inspire teachers to make it possible for children to spend more time outdoors, have safe environments, and be free to learn through exploration.
For many school-age children, outdoor experiences are very limited. The author compellingly argues for ensuring that children have outdoor play and learning opportunities, describes exciting playgrounds in the U.S. and other countries, and provides practical information on safety, accessibility, and curriculum.
Lessons learned with The Living Classroom Curriculum help children connect with nature, and help them understand why that connection is important. Children experience nature first hand, getting real world lessons on plants, animals, soil, ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainability.