Resource Lists 

Appreciating the Natural World with Young Children

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This resource list contains sources which can aid teachers and caregivers in helping young children appreciate the natural world.

IEL Resources

Web Resources

  • 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.
  • Let’s Talk about Insects
    Source: University of Illinois Extention also in Spanish

    This site includes a guide to activities such as making models, charting insects, and more.

  • My First Garden
    Source: University of Illinois Extention also in Spanish

    This site is designed for use with older children but may be adapted for use in preschool.

  • Meet a Tree
    Source: Education World

    This article suggests ways to help children explore trees. Make Your Own Leaf Book is another activity guide that discusses how children can make books to help them remember their leaf observations.

  • 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.

  • Nature Explore

    This website provides classroom design services, workshops and conferences, natural products for classrooms, and family resources. This site is also encourages networking and research.

  • Articles for Families on Nature and the Outdoors
    Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children

    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.

  • 25 Nature Play Ideas for Early Childhood Centers
    Source: Green Hearts

    This brochure provides a rationale for why children should spend more time outdoors and why nature play is the best type of play. It also provides 25 ideas for incorporating nature play in early childhood classrooms.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How to Play in Nature
    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.

Related Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards
Type of resource:
  • Resource List
Setting(s) for which the article is intended:
  • Child Care Center
  • Family Child Care
  • Preschool Program
Intended audience(s):
  • Teachers / Service providers
Age Levels (the age of the children to whom the article applies):
  • Preschoolers (Age 3 Through Age 5)
Search for additional IEL resources on:
Reviewed: 2017