Freebies!
Free resources related to nature-based early childhood education
Philosophy Versus Practice: Finding Balance in the Daily Schedule
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore asks listeners to analyze their notes from the two previous weeks to determine if time spent aligns with their program's goals and philosophy.
Tracking Whole-Group Time in Nature-based Classrooms
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore invites you to observe and record daily time spent in whole-group activities, much like we did last week with time in free play.
Tracking Free Play in Nature-based Education
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore encourages educators to reflect on how much time children are engaged in free play, both inside and outside of the classroom.
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.
Reflecting on Routines for a Calm Nature-based Classroom
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore explores the importance of establishing consistent routines in nature-based early childhood education.
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.
Mindful Materials: Creating Engaging Outdoor Environments for Young Learners
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore encourages listeners to reflect on whether the interest areas and materials available inside are also present outside.
Porch play chat: The nature continuum
In this video, Dr. Rachel Larimore discusses that nature-based education is a continuum. It is not all or nothing.
It's science too!
Natural history is important science. Natural history is the science children are engaging with every day in nature-based programs!
Nature-Based Emergent Curriculum: The Power of Place for Planning
This recorded edWebinar, presented by Dr. Rachel Larimore,
Experiences rather than activties
An "activity” is a very teacher-led, scripted interaction with a clear structure and intended outcome. Whereas an "experience" is an event or occurrence which leaves an impression on someone.
Child-led play
One goal of nature-based early childhood education is to support children’s holistic development. The way we do this is by emphasizing two key elements of early childhood education: 1) Play-based and 2) Child-led.
We’re not separate
The core teaching of Nature-based early childhood education (NbECE) is that the learning isn’t just IN nature or ABOUT nature, but is a relationship between nature and the child. That’s why we use the phrase “learning WITH nature.”
Planning for Earth Day
Even on special days like Earth Day we want to keep things as play-based and child-led as possible.
Enjoying the easy weather
As the weather gets “easier,” I encourage you to spend even more of your day outdoors. Establishing a clear routine and a rich learning space will make the experience much, much better for everyone!
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.
Abundance of Distractions
Distractions only increase as we move through the year. There will slowly be more bird calls, more insects, more buds popping and forming into leaves, animals having babies, and so on. That means now, when there are fewer distractions, is a great time to start a phenology journal!
Your place matters
Despite so much being universal, place is vital to our work in nature-based early childhood education. It’s universal that our programs connect to nature, but the plants, animals, and culture of our place are unique.
Never wonder where your sense of wonder went
Maybe nature-based education ensures that we as teachers will hold onto our own sense of wonder. Our sense of wonder in nature. Our sense of wonder in children.
Opportunity shop
Opportunity shops (also known as thrift shops, resale shops, etc.) are one of my favorite places to shop for nature-based early childhood play supplies.