Resources to accompany the Kaplan Early Learning Company’s Live Stream:
Outdoor Activities to Encourage Learning Through Play…During a global Pandemic
Presented by Rachel Larimore, Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning, on April 1, 2020
Top Goals during Social Distancing
Physical health
Emotional health
(Everything else is a bonus—like academic skills)
Outdoors isn’t closed, however…
Follow social distancing guidelines
Stay close to home
Minimize risky play
Respect the rules of the place you’re visiting
Big Ideas for Nature Play
Explore & discover (with the help of loose parts)
Create (build, paint, make up stories, etc.)
Notice (sights, sounds, smells; animals, plants, weather)
Encourage (support children’s desire to play; prompt with scavenger hunts or challenges if necessary)
Written resources
Additional resources related to nature-based early childhood education can be found on our Free Resources page.
You might also be interested in the book, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education & Nature-based Learning written by Rachel Larimore, the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning.
Online Resources
North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier, Vermont has provided LOTS of online resources for both parents & teachers. They ask for a donation ($1 works!) in exchange for the resources. Also, check out their Forest Preschool Online resources.
Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, MI has provided free nature lessons and scavenger hunts on their website
Green Schoolyards America has several activity books for a variety of ages
Free downloadable Nature Diaries from Mindstretchers Academy
A list of resources compiled by Natural Start Alliance for nature-based learning in the current crisis
Take care of yourself & others!
Thank you to Kaplan Early Learning Company for supporting this Live Stream!