Foreword by Ian Gilbert.
At a time of unprecedented challenges in relation not only to the climate crisis but also to children's and adolescents' mental health, connecting to nature offers an accessible and desirable way forward for today's learners - especially those living in urban surroundings.
Bringing together evidence from psychology, environmental science and education, Alexia aims to support teachers as they provide meaningful experiences rooted in learning about and through nature. The book can be used in two ways: to inspire individual sessions in nature, or to support teachers in building a cohesive outdoor-learning curriculum throughout the school.
Featuring practical advice, case studies and discussion of original theory, the book aims to inspire, motivate and stimulate educators to engage with alternative approaches to teaching in the outdoors and with nature in mind - and in such a way that promotes students' learning and fosters a long-lasting relationship with nature.
Independent Thinking on Nature-Based Learningshares case studies and examples of good practice from a variety of settings - ranging from kindergarten to secondary. Detailing the physical and psychological benefits of being outdoors, the book suggests ways to help build young people's connection with nature and support their autonomy in naturalspaces. Alexia offersideas on how to weave nature and the outdoors into the very fabric of the curriculum - for example, in relation to art, literature and technology.
Suitable for teachers and outdoor-learning leaders in early years through to secondary schools.
Independent Thinking on Nature-Based Learningis one of a number of books in the Independent Thinking On seriesfrom the award-winning Independent Thinking Press.
;
Written by Dr Alexia Barrable,Independent Thinking on Nature-Based Learning: Improving learning and well-being by teaching withnature in mindis an engaging and insightful take on how educators can deliver more outdoor- and nature-oriented learning opportunities for the benefit of their pupils' mental and physical well-;
I loved reading this book! Not only is it accessible and engaging, it offers support and challenge to educators in considering, and adopting, nature-based practice. It is an invitation to become part of a conversation; a movement, a culture shift, where we relearn to be part of nature - not apart from nature. Full of provocations, tips and examples, this book is sure to become an essential addition to the practitioner toolbox.
Mairi Ferris
;
Dr Alexia Barrable's book is not the first that aims to address our deteriorating relationship with the other-than-human world. But not many books manage to both inspire and educate in the way that this one does. Dr Barrable draws the reader effortlessly into the depths of thought needed without using jargon or overly complicated narrative. It is a text that will be useful to teachers, lecturers, students, parents, carers and anyone who would like to learn more about how and why we should help our children feel more connected to nature. Drawing on her vast experience as a teacher, lecturer and mother, and as the daughter of a committed naturalist, Dr Barrable delivers expert advice on how we can help children cultivate a love for the natural world. Her key message is that we cannot connect to nature just by being in contact with it. She shows how empathy and compassion need to be nurtured whilst also referencing a range of published research that demonstrates the significance of an improved relationship with nature. It is the combination of tried and tested practical examples, linked to relevant academic research, that makes this book such a gem for educators and anyone interested in igniting and developing children's love of nature. The book is organised around common educational themes, using accessible case studies as examples, so that the reader m
Dr Alexia Barrable was born in Greece and had a wild childhood climbing trees and rescuing tortoises. After moving to the UK in her early teens, she went on to study at Oxford and Cambridge, where she qualified as a teacher. Alexia has a PhD in psychology in education and conducts research on the human-nature relationship. She is passionate about spreading the word of the benefits of, and opportunities offered by, nature-based learning.<br /><br />Since establishing Independent Thinking 25 years ago, Ian Gilbert has made a name for himself across the world as a highly original writer, editor, speaker, practitioner and thinker and is someone who the IB World magazine has referred to as one of the world's leading educational visionaries.The author of several books, and the editor of many more, Ian is known by thousands of teachers and young people across the world for his award-winning Thunks books. Thunks grew out of Ian's work with Philosophy for Children (P4C), and are beguiling yet deceptively powerful little philosophical questions that he has created to make children's - as well as their teachers' - brains hurt.Ian's growing collection of bestselling books has a more serious side too, without ever losing sight of his trademark wit and straight-talking style. The Little Book of Bereavement for Schools, born from personal family experience, is finding a home in schools across the world, and The Working Class - a massive collaborative effort he instigated and edited - is making a genuine difference to the lives of young people from some of the poorest backgrounds.A unique writer and editor, there is no other voice like Ian Gilbert's in education today.
