Partnering with Nature in Early Childhood: A Guide to Outdoor Experiences

Join the growing nature-based learning movement! Written for educators by educators,Partnering with Nature turns theoretical ideas about the benefits of nature in childhood into achievable results.Discover how to meet state-mandated early learning standards while enjoying daily nature based activities. With a sample class schedule, a list of essential items to carry in a backpack, an outline of seasonal topics, seasonal activities at a glance, and an assessment tool, this practical, inclusive guide demonstrates how nature can support preschool children’s learning. Partnering with Nature is filled with practical advice that will allow early childhood teachers who are new to nature-based education to venture forward with confidence.• Discover simple approaches to creating a nature-based classroom.• Learn how to safely and effectively take children outdoors to explore the world beyond your four walls.• Find practical tips for meeting some of the ongoing challenges that come with teaching outdoors. Whether your program is right next to a forest, beach, or park, or your center is in the middle of a large city, you can provide a high-quality environment that meets young children’s developmental needs while initiating them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world.

Catherine Koons-Hubbard, MS Ed., is preschool director at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Milwaukee. She earned her MS in education from the University of Pennsylvania and has more than 15 years of experience as an environmental educator.Patti Bailie, PhD, is an associate professor of early childhood education at the University of Maine at Farmington and is a leader in the nature preschool movement. She is the founding director of the Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool and helped develop a curriculum rooted indevelopmentally appropriate practice and the Reggio approach.