Freebies!
Free resources related to nature-based early childhood education
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.
Listening to Young Voices: Noticing Emerging Behavior Challenges
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore suggests that by observing and addressing challenging behaviors early, educators can maintain a balance of calmness and engagement.
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.
Noticing Nature: Reconnecting Educators to Support Emergent Curriculum
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore encourages listeners to slow down and notice the nature around them to reconnect with their own awe and wonder of the natural world.
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.
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.
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!
Whining or communicating a need?
There are times where young children may sound like they’re whining, but they’re really communicating a need. It’s our job as nature-based early childhood teachers to figure out what it is they need.
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.