Freebies!
Free resources related to nature-based early childhood education
Naturally Teaching Elementary Science podcast: Interview with Dr. Rachel Larimore
In this podcast, the host of Naturally Teaching Elementary Science hosts Dr. Rachel A. Larimore to discuss the NAture-Based Education Rating Scales (NABERS), and the important and varied roles teachers play in implementing and maintaining quality programs.
Nature-Based Emergent Curriculum: The Power of Place for Planning
This recorded edWebinar, presented by Dr. Rachel Larimore,
Porch play chat: Small changes toward nature play
In this video, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore & International Play Association USA President, Deb Lawrence, sit down and discuss the importance of play in learning.
Managing the Shift to a Nature-Based Approach in Your Program
In this webinar Dr. Rachel Larimore addressed the foundational administrative and pedagogical practices to successfully shift your team to a nature-based approach. Most importantly, she addressed the human element, including how to best support staff and families in your evolving infusion of nature.
Porch play chat: supporting children to play WITH nature
In this video, Dr. Rachel Larimore discusses the importance of play in learning, and how we have to be more intentional than ever to integrate the outdoors and play-based learning with our children.
“Bad” (Hard?) weather really does exist
In this post from the weekly Samara Early Learning newsletter our Chief Visionary Dr. Rachel Larimore reflects on how bad weather DOES exist and how the phrase “there’s no such thing as bad weather” may be limiting.
Five steps to facilitate more nature-based learning in your early childhood classroom
This recorded edWebinar, presented by Dr. Rachel Larimore, provides five simple steps to intentionally integrate a nature-based approach into teaching practice—no matter your current situation.
Inclusive in what counts as nature
In this post from Rachel's weekly newsletter, she discusses all the things that count as nature!
Reflection: The powerful teaching of a deer carcass
In this article, Dr. Rachel Larimore discusses how nature-based approaches sometimes provide opportunities to address deeper life issues such as the concepts of life, death, and care for others.
Welcoming staff to your program
In this post from Rachel's weekly newsletter, she gives suggestions for effectively welcoming staff to your program.
Tips for hiring and job search season
In this post Rachel gives tips for hiring and job search season. This information is great for interviewers and interviewees alike!
What does it remind you of?
This simple question also requires higher order thinking to compare, contrast, and connect to children’s prior experience. This also honors their culture and identity in the learning process.
The boring stuff matters: Policies, procedures, and more!
I know, I know—policies and procedures are boring, but they are SO important to operating successful nature-based programs.
Taking a break that meets your needs
However you choose to spend your break, I hope you find restoration and rejuvenation.
Resources for when things are not okay
In this post from Rachel's weekly newsletter, she offer advice and resources for having difficult conversations with children.
Nature is everywhere—even in urban areas
In this post from Rachel's weekly newsletter, she reflects on how nature is TRULY everywhere, even in urban spaces.
The first rainy day
In this post from Rachel's weekly newsletter, she reflects on the first rainy day at a nature-based school. This includes talking with families about inclement weather and ensuring children have the appropriate gear for positive experiences playing outdoors.
The music shuffle
In this post from Rachel's weekly newsletter, she discusses different types of nature-based music and gives recommendations for music resources for children and adults alike!
Slowing down to see…
In this post from Rachel's weekly newsletter, she reflects on all the beauty that can be found in nature—you just have to slow down and see it! This post particularly highlights birding wherever in the world your find yourself.
Seeing the whole picture
In this article, Rachel discusses the importance of supporting the whole child and taking a wide enough view to address the root cause of behavior challenges.