Supporting Nature-Based Learning

03/04/2021

Supporting Nature-Based Learning

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.
Frank Lloyd Wright

Much has been written lately about the value of providing children with ‘loose parts,’ especially when those come from natural sources. In the book, Growing With Nature: Supporting Whole-Child Learning in Outdoor Classrooms, Johanna Booth-Miner, Director of Live and Learn Early Learning Center in Lee, New Hampshire, shared this story:

"In the outdoor classroom our preschool children are able to use ‘natural loose parts’ to explore connections and concepts such as physics, fulcrums, bridges, balance and others. When allowed to manipulate boards, sticks and wooden tree cookies, children can bridge ideas and hypothesize to discover answers."

Sandra Duncan and Jody Martin, in their book, Bringing the Outside In provide suggestions for adding nature’s loose parts to the indoor classroom, such as:
"Gradually add natural elements to your block center so children are not overwhelmed with excitement, end up dumping more than they build, or use materials in inappropriate ways. Add one or two new natural items each week so children are given the chance to incorporate these new elements into their building…"

Want to learn more about the value of nature-based experiences? There is a free ECI webinar, "Supporting Teachers in Nature-Based Programs," presented by Sheila Williams Ridge and Sarah Sivright on March 10, 2021 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.

Here’s the description:
Whether you are considering increasing your outdoor learning as an option to keep children safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic or to meet the developmental needs of the children, this webinar will parse the role of administrators in nature-based learning environments.

Join this webinar to:

• Explore ways to prepare and support teachers in outdoor environments

• Develop systems for observing and assessing children and teachers

• Learn strategies to communicate with families around the values and practices of outdoor learning, especially around health and safety.

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