Freebies!
Free resources related to nature-based early childhood education
How to close the year with intention
The end of the school year is an important time to celebrate the year of learning and adventures the group has had together. How are you marking the end of your time with children? Are you helping to create meaning and memories of the year?
Tips for maximizing outdoor learning through play
In this video, originally recorded for Kaplan Early Learning’s Facebook Live event, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore discusses tips for maximizing outdoor learning through play.
Back-to-school tips for outdoor learning
In this video, originally recorded for Kaplan Early Learning’s Facebook Live event, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore shares some back-to-school tips for outdoor learning, including setting families up for success and structuring the day to support outdoor time.
Outdoor learning & school readiness
In this video, originally recorded for Kaplan Early Learning’s Facebook Live event, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore discusses how outdoor learning supports children’s development and school readiness.
Supporting play equity by inspiring nature-based learning
In this video, originally recorded for Kaplan Early Learning’s Facebook Live event, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore discusses diversity, equity, and inclusion in nature-based settings.
Infants and toddlers need outdoor play too!
In this video, originally recorded for Kaplan Early Learning’s Facebook Live event, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore discusses the importance of outdoor play for infants and toddlers.
3 tips for getting started with nature-based learning
In this video, Dr. Rachel Larimore explains that nature-based learning is achievable with small shifts, and shares three tips for getting started.
Inclusion & accessibility in nature-based schools: An interview with Dr. Larimore & Outside OT
In this interview, Dr. Rachel Larimore answers questions related to inclusion and accessibility in nature-based schools, and gives suggestions for supporting children with disabilities in your program.
Outdoor activities for kids
In this video, Dr. Rachel Larimore shares quick, simple ideas for play and learning outdoors.
Nature-based ECE: Podcast with That Early Childhood Nerd
In a guest appearance on the podcast That Early Childhood Nerd, Rachel Larimore shares advice for including nature in early childhood programs.
Growing with the children: Bringing nature preschool practices to elementary schools
Many families who experience nature-based preschools find themselves looking for a similar elementary experience. In this article, Rachel Larimore discusses a nature-based elementary program.
Defining nature-based preschools
In this article published by the International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, Rachel Larimore reflects on a few of the program terms currently being discussed among early childhood environmental education professionals.
Program considerations for establishing a nature-based preschool
Are you looking to start a nature-based school? In this article, Rachel Larimore discusses the importance of establishing a program philosophy and evaluating your available resources for before starting a nature-based school.
Getting down to business: Turning your ideas into reality
In this article, David Catlin, a colleague of Samara Early Learning, discusses how to turn your ideas for a nature-based preschool into reality.
Learning with nature: A blog series
This blog series, hosted by Guidecraft, focuses on eight topics related to Nature-based Early Childhood Education, including Finding Creative Inspiration, the Math of Plants, and Moments of Serendipity.
Take learning outside in COVID-19
In this article, Dr. Rachel Larimore shares simple ways to take learning outside during COVID-19.
Tips for nature-based learning in the winter: A video
In this video, Dr. Rachel Larimore shares advice on how to prepare for and embrace outdoor learning during the winter months.
Nurture in nature: Getting started with nature-based learning
Nurture in Nature is a blog series hosted by Kaplan Early Learning. In this article Dr. Rachel A. Larimore provides practical advice for creating outdoor learning spaces. While the idea may sound intimidating, she makes it simple.
Using principles of nature-based preschools to transform your classroom
In this article in NAEYC’s Young Children, Rachel Larimore explains how teachers can use principles of nature-based education to transform their classrooms.
How to lead a nature-based program without losing your purpose (or mind!)
This webinar, presented by Dr. Rachel Larimore, helps early childhood administrators identify the principles and benefits of a nature-based approach.