IEL Resources
- Tip Sheets:
- CSI: Child Scientist Investigates!
- Encouraging Scientific Thinking: Rain or Shine
- Get Growing: Learning about Seeds
- Get Growing: Planning a Garden with Young Children
- Natural Illinois: Birds
- Natural Illinois: Butterflies and Moths
- Natural Illinois: Frogs and Toads
- Natural Illinois: Insects
- Natural Illinois: Leaves Are All Around
- Natural Illinois: Mammals
- Natural Illinois: Rock On!
- Natural Illinois: The Trees You See
- Out and About with Preschoolers: Close Up with Visual Arts
- Blogs:
- Project Examples:
Web Resources
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Articles for Families on Nature and the Outdoors
Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Find articles for families about how to engage in nature activities with children. More articles include Play in a Puddle on a Rainy Day and Engaging Toddlers in Nature Play.
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Benefits of Connecting Children with Nature
Source: Natural Learning Initiative
Many children spend the majority of their day in childcare. This infosheet discusses the advantages and tips to connect children to the outdoors while they are at childcare.
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The Benefits of Mud Play: Why Playing in the Mud is More Than Just Fun!
Source: StarNet
This podcast from STARNET: Early Childhood explores the many benefits of providing opportunities for young children to engage in mud play.
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Discover the Forest
Source: U.S. Forest Service
This provides links to information and activities to help young children learn about nature.
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Educational Resources for Illinois Trees
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
This site provides links to lessons, videos and resources for teaching about trees.
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Everyday Fun Outdoors Resource Guide
Source: Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse
This topical guide will introduce you to important books, videos, and information resources available from the EI Clearinghouse regarding activities for everyday fun outdoors.
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Have You Ever Met a Tree?
Source: Michigan Reach Out!
This resource includes suggestions related to observing and documenting observations of a tree. This article on Family TLC suggests ways that parents can watch and discuss birds with their children.
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IDNR Department of Education
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Find information about educational materials for use in the classroom, teacher workshops, and more. The Division of Education is responsible for the development and dissemination of educational programs and materials and for training in their use.
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Let’s Go for a Walk
Source: StarNet
This 5-minute video shows how to go for a walk and observe our everyday world with young children. It’s a simple way to support their natural sense of exploration.
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Let’s Talk about Insects
Source: University of Illinois Extension
This site includes a guide to activities such as making models, charting insects, and more.
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Meet a Tree
Source: Sharing Nature
This article suggests ways to help children explore trees through a lesson for ages 4 and up.
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My First Garden
(also in Spanish)Source: University of Illinois Extension
This site is designed for use with older children but may be adapted for use in preschool.
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My First Garden: Gardening Fundamentals
(also in Spanish)Source: University of Illinois Extension
This is an interactive graphic that describes gardening fundamentals to aid young children in creating their first garden.
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Nature Explore
Source: Dimensions Educational Research Foundation
This website provides classroom design services, workshops and conferences, natural products for classrooms, and family resources. This site is also encourages networking and research.
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Nature-Based Learning and Development
Source: Head Start
These five-minute videos explain how educators can teach concepts (Science, Language and Literacy, and Math) using nature. The videos explore using nature indoors and outdoors.
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A Parent’s Guide to Nature Play
Source: Natural Start Alliance
This article addresses why outdoor play is important and ideas for how parents can encourage outdoor play among their children. The website also provides resources, research, and articles related to the importance of nature play for children.
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Tuning Out to Tune In: How Time Outside Can Improve Readiness to Learn Inside
Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
This article explains the power of the outdoors when it comes to building young children’s attention, including outdoor play, window views, and bringing the outdoors into the classroom.