Freebies!
Free resources related to nature-based early childhood education
Another Perspective on Inside, Outside & Beyond
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore explores the Inside, Outside, and Beyond. These are more than learning spaces. They are also a metaphor for how people relate to co-workers, children, families, and nature.
Philosophy Versus Practice: Finding Balance in the Daily Schedule
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore asks listeners to analyze their notes from the two previous weeks to determine if time spent aligns with their program's goals and philosophy.
Tracking Whole-Group Time in Nature-based Classrooms
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore invites you to observe and record daily time spent in whole-group activities, much like we did last week with time in free play.
Tracking Free Play in Nature-based Education
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore encourages educators to reflect on how much time children are engaged in free play, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Growing Together: Connecting with Families in Nature-based Programs
In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore discusses the importance of nurturing connections with families in early childhood nature-based education, which ultimately reinforces the partnership between teachers and families.
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.
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!
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!