Grow a nature-based school

We help early childhood educators add and refine nature-based approaches within their curriculum

young child transplanting plants

We can help with

  • Adding nature-based practices to your existing curriculum

  • Teacher training & development

  • Learning spaces Inside, Outside &/or Beyond

  • Nature & early childhood regulations (e.g., licensing, QRIS)

…and so much more!

Our work includes all models of infant, toddler, preschool, & early elementary-aged programs.

Services we offer to help grow your nature-based school

Available Now!

Check out the latest book by Dr. Rachel Larimore* & Dr. Claire Warden!

As the nature-based education movement grows globally, especially in a post-pandemic world, the need for a holistic approach to learning is more essential than ever.

This book outlines 11 key roles practitioners play and how to support children to learn with nature. It explores how nature-based practitioners embody these roles in nurturing children's curiosity, confidence, and care. The book also:

  • Includes actionable strategies to integrate nature-based learning

  • Encourages children to take the lead in their learning

  • Leverages The Floorbook® Approach to document learning

  • Addresses common struggles in nature-based pedagogy

  • Balances regulatory goals with child-led, emergent curriculum

  • Provides examples of what each role looks and sounds like

  • Encourages continuous professional development with self-reflection questions

*Rachel is Samara’s Founder & Chief Visionary

 

Take the quiz!

Discover the next step on your nature-based journey

Take this 90-second quiz to discover the opportunities you have to implement nature-based early childhood education.

You’ll receive a custom toolkit based on your strengths so your children can thrive learning with nature.

Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-K through 3rd Grade

By Patti Ensel Bailie, Rachel A. Larimore*, & Arianna E. Pikus

This new book introduces the NAture-Based Education Rating Scales (NABERS) for Pre-K and K–3—a tool of measuring the quality of nature-based program. The book also includes tips and tricks for moving the needle towards quality. The tool addresses:

→ Program goals and curriculum practices

→ Staffing

→ Environment

→ Community partnerships

→ Family engagement

Whether you want to evaluate an existing nature-based program or discover how to shift your program toward a nature focus, this book is for you!

*Rachel is Samara’s Founder & Chief Visionary

Free resources for growing a nature-based school

Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-based Learning

By Rachel A. Larimore

Preschool Beyond Walls, written by Samara’s founder and Chief Visionary, Rachel Larimore, illustrates practical and strategic ways educators can create rich, explorative, and interdisciplinary learning through extensive outdoor experiences. Learn how to develop and implement a nature-based curriculum to support children’s optimal learning, from start to finish. Whether you’re creating a new curriculum or transitioning from a conventional approach Preschool Beyond Walls will be a useful resource. (It’s even useful for those at the infant, toddler, and elementary levels!)

Reflecting on Practice Downloadable Workbooks

 

These workbooks are designed to help individuals or teams think deeply about a nature-based education topic. Each downloadable workbook includes prompts to help guide your reflections and/or your conversations with colleagues.

We have a wide range of topics for these workbooks so if you’re looking to grow your nature-based practice, check them out today!

Oh, and did we mention each includes a certificate of participation?!