Freebies!
Free resources related to nature-based early childhood education
Another Perspective on Inside, Outside & Beyond
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore explores the Inside, Outside, and Beyond. These are more than learning spaces. They are also a metaphor for how people relate to co-workers, children, families, and nature.
Growing Together: Connecting with Families in Nature-based Programs
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore discusses the importance of nurturing connections with families in early childhood nature-based education, which ultimately reinforces the partnership between teachers and families.
Nurturing Relationships: Connecting with New Team Members in Outdoor Settings
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore emphasizes the importance of supporting new team members in nature-based early childhood education settings.
High Five Time: Noticing the Successes
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore introduces a Mindful Turtle tradition designed to shift focus from the overwhelming to-do list to celebrations of what has gone well.
Naturally Teaching Elementary Science podcast: Interview with Dr. Rachel Larimore
In this podcast, the host of Naturally Teaching Elementary Science hosts Dr. Rachel A. Larimore to discuss the NAture-Based Education Rating Scales (NABERS), and the important and varied roles teachers play in implementing and maintaining quality programs.
We’re in it together—Team teaching in early childhood
Every single adult in any classroom matters. They impact the children, the other adults, and interactions with families. Everyone matters.
Trail Map for Leading Change
Leading change in nature-based early childhood education cs difficult. And slow. This means that whether you’re an administrative leader or a classroom leader, it can be a daunting, frustrating task to inspire others toward the nature-based approach.
Inspiring Change Toward Nature-based Teaching
If we want others to move toward nature-based early chitdhood teaching our only effective option is to inspire.
Evaluating Natureness: Community & family engagement
Family engagement and community partnerships are areas of nature-based education that sometimes get overlooked, but are important components for a thriving program. Let’s look at each…
Evaluating Natureness: Quality comes from the people
Remember, nature-based pedagogy is a collection of practices. All of these practices are ultimately influenced or implemented by administrators and teachers.
Evaluating Natureness: Collection of practices
Can we call ourselves nature-based?
I often hear this from early childhood educators. My response? Nature-based education is a collection of practices that prioritize children’s experiences learning with nature.
Don’t let regulations spook you
Whether you’re contemplating starting a school or you have a school and are considering integrating more nature-based approaches, at some point you’ve probably had thoughts about regulations.
Clear hiring is kind
“Clear is kind.” It’s a phrase Brené Brown uses often and it’s one of my favorites–particularly when it comes to hiring staff. And for many in the northern hemisphere, right now is the height of hiring between the end and beginning of the school years.
Not fun, necessary
Policies and procedures. Probably not your favorite topic, eh? It’s not my favorite either.
Belonging through onboarding
The onboarding process should create a sense of belonging. New staff should feel they belong and are part of the team while also feeling they can be their authentic selves as a member of the team.
Explicit expectations
If expectations don’t match reality we can experience resentment, frustration, and a myriad of other emotions. It’s for this reason it’s important to be clear about our expectations–to ourselves and to others involved.
How nature-y is it?
The number of nature-based programs is continuing to increase throughout the world. This is great news! And yet...not all of these programs are really “nature-based.” Some programs go outside every day and call that enough.
Managing the Shift to a Nature-Based Approach in Your Program
In this webinar Dr. Rachel Larimore addressed the foundational administrative and pedagogical practices to successfully shift your team to a nature-based approach. Most importantly, she addressed the human element, including how to best support staff and families in your evolving infusion of nature.
Welcoming staff to your program
In this post from Rachel's weekly newsletter, she gives suggestions for effectively welcoming staff to your program.