Appreciating the Natural World with Young Children
This resource list contains sources which can aid teachers and caregivers in helping young children appreciate the natural world.
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 Guide: All About Gardens
- 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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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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Let’s Talk about Insects
Source: University of Illinois Extention
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 Extention
This site is designed for use with older children but may be adapted for use in preschool.
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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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Welcome to Kids and Education!
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Find information about educational materials for use in the classroom, teacher workshops, and more. SMARTBoards™ Lessons includes lessons linked to the Illinois Early Learning Standards. Lessons include A to Z from a Tree and A Year with Wildlife. Wings, Stings, and Leggy Things: Insects of Illinois is a booklet, which can be downloaded in PDF form, that includes a diagram of an insect and insect life cycles.
