Early Childhood & Nature

A look into the research, discussion, and practice supporting nature-based learning.

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What Is Unstructured Play, and What Does It Look Like?

Free and unstructured play is so good for kids. Take a look at what unstructured play looks like and how to encourage more of it with your own kids.

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If We Behave In These 10 Ways Towards Children The Future Of Humanity Will Be In Safe Hands

Raising children in a modern day environment can be stressful and difficult at the best of times. But I genuinely believe that it should be regarded as an honour and a pleasure by all adults who are able to influence children in any way, whether you are an uncle, parent or just a friend of …

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The importance of equal access to nature education for all kids

One of the greatest pleasures of my job as coordinator for the Carpinteria Garden Park is working with young people. The community garden hosts multiple class trips every semester, a

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Outdoor children are happier children

New research shows it's because they feel empowered by 'sustainable behaviors'.

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Humans Need The Wilderness To Be Happy

Not any park will do. Two studies show that the type of green area affects everything from well-being to crime rate.

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A Photographer's Guide To 'Slow Seeing' The Beauty In Everyday Nature

Janelle Lynch's book of nature photographs is a beautiful invitation to take all the time in the world to become alive to our senses and our surroundings.

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How Group Therapy at School Helps Kids Manage Trauma, Anxiety | KQED

A growing number of schools are offering training for emotional and social skills that can benefit kids in school and throughout their life.

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Black Boy Joy: 30 Picture Books Featuring Black Male Protagonists | Brightly

Finding good, quality books featuring people of color can be a challenge. Here are 30 great picture books with black males at the center.

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Children 'more alive when they are outside': Quebec nature-based daycare takes kids out of classroom | CBC Radio

Karine Gravel, the mother of young boys, opened La Garderie Nature last October, in a building she helped design that backs onto a forest in the Saguenay suburb of Chicoutimi-Nord.

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Stop Teaching Children To Never Be Angry – Teach Them How To be Angry

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More than ever, we need nature. It makes us and our children happier

A connection to nature may make children happier and more eco-conscious, a recent study shows. And we all need that now.

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Young People Can’t Remember How Much More Wildlife There Used to Be

Only the elderly remember how many more birds, bees, butterflies and bunnies used to inhabit their backyards. Sadly, the young don’t realize they’re disappearing. Researchers are identifying a dangerous trend when it comes to wildlife conservation – young people aren’t aware of the massive declines in wild animal populations, because …

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For those wishing to learn about the WHY of connecting children to nature, we can't recommend these books enough. Please let us know about any other books you'd recommend in the comments!  

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, by Richard Louv of the Children & Nature Network ~ amzn.to/2TVyVjt 

How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature, by Dr. Scott Sampson ~ amzn.to/2vYJg6a 

There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom's Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids (from Friluftsliv to Hygge), by Linda Åkeson McGurk of Rain or Shine Mamma ~ amzn.to/3cQC2ll 

Companions in Wonder: Children and Adults Exploring Nature Together, edited by Julie Dunlap & Stephen R. Kellert ~ amzn.to/2TUuhlJ 

Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children, by Angela Hanscom of TimberNook ~ amzn.to/2PZ2Ki3

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Children Who Feel Connected to Nature Likely to Be Happier, Study Suggests

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Are Playgrounds Too Safe? Some Play Specialists Say Yes

Should playgrounds be a little less safe? That's what some play specialists are advocating.