Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring
Written by Dr. Rachel A. Larimore & Dr. Claire H. Warden
Learn how to integrate nature-based pedagogy to support young children’s curiosity, confidence, and care. You’ll learn to identify and also embody the many roles teachers play when implementing nature-based strategies. Chapters lay out the research and theory behind each role, specific language or behaviors of what that role looks like in practice, and reflexive questions to help educators reflect on their practice. This is perfect for in-service early childhood educators, including infant, toddler, preschool, and elementary providers, interested in more intentional use of nature in their teaching.
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Written by Dr. Rachel A. Larimore & Dr. Claire H. Warden
Learn how to integrate nature-based pedagogy to support young children’s curiosity, confidence, and care. You’ll learn to identify and also embody the many roles teachers play when implementing nature-based strategies. Chapters lay out the research and theory behind each role, specific language or behaviors of what that role looks like in practice, and reflexive questions to help educators reflect on their practice. This is perfect for in-service early childhood educators, including infant, toddler, preschool, and elementary providers, interested in more intentional use of nature in their teaching.
Ordering outside of the United States? Click here for our recommended suppliers.
Written by Dr. Rachel A. Larimore & Dr. Claire H. Warden
Learn how to integrate nature-based pedagogy to support young children’s curiosity, confidence, and care. You’ll learn to identify and also embody the many roles teachers play when implementing nature-based strategies. Chapters lay out the research and theory behind each role, specific language or behaviors of what that role looks like in practice, and reflexive questions to help educators reflect on their practice. This is perfect for in-service early childhood educators, including infant, toddler, preschool, and elementary providers, interested in more intentional use of nature in their teaching.
Ordering outside of the United States? Click here for our recommended suppliers.
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
About the Authors:
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, speaker, researcher, and author. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young children’s holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, and Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning, an organization focused on helping early childhood educators start nature-based schools or add nature-based approaches into their existing program.
Dr. Claire H. Warden is an internationally renowned educator, consultant, and advocate for nature-based learning. As the creator of the Floorbook® Approach and founder of Mindstretchers Academy, she has transformed early years education by promoting inquiry-led, child-centered learning in outdoor environments. With over 30 years of experience, Claire works with educators worldwide to implement nature pedagogy, offering practical tools for documentation, planning, and curriculum development. Her passion for reconnecting children with nature and empowering educators through innovative teaching strategies has made her a leading voice in early childhood education.
