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 Sheet: CSI: Child Scientist Investigates!
- Tip Sheet: Encouraging Scientific Thinking: Rain or Shine
- Tip Sheet: Get Growing: Learning about Seeds
- Tip Sheet: Get Growing: Planning a Garden with Young Children
- Tip Sheet: Natural Illinois: Birds
- Tip Sheet: Natural Illinois: Butterflies and Moths
- Tip Sheet: Natural Illinois: Frogs and Toads
- Tip Sheet: Natural Illinois: Insects
- Tip Sheet: Natural Illinois: Leaves Are All Around
- Tip Sheet: Natural Illinois: Mammals
- Tip Sheet: Natural Illinois: Rock On!
- Tip Sheet: Natural Illinois: The Trees You See
- Tip Sheet: Outdoor Play: Weather or Not
- Tip Sheet: Outdoor Field Trips with Preschoolers: Deciding Where to Go
- Blog: Go Outdoors and Explore: Build Upon Young Children’s Natural Curiosity
- Project Guide: All About Gardens
- Project Example: Cracks and Holes Project
- Project Example: Garden Project Sprouts From Simple Question: “What’s That?”
Web Resources
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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. -
Let’s Talk about Insects
Source: University of Illinois Extention also in SpanishThis site includes a guide to activities such as making models, charting insects, and more.
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My First Garden
Source: University of Illinois Extention also in SpanishThis site is designed for use with older children but may be adapted for use in preschool.
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Meet a Tree
Source: Education WorldThis 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.
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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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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.
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Articles for Families on Nature and the Outdoors
Source: National Association for the Education of Young ChildrenFind 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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25 Nature Play Ideas for Early Childhood Centers
Source: Green HeartsThis 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.
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A Parent’s Guide to Nature Play
Source: Natural Start AllianceThis 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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Benefits of Connecting Children with Nature
Source: Natural Learning InitiativeMany 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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How to Play in Nature
Source: Head StartThese 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.
- Learning Areas:
- Language Arts
- Science
- Standards:
- Standard 11.A
- Standard 12.A
- Standard 12.B
- Standard 5.C
- Resource List
- Child Care Center
- Family Child Care
- Preschool Program
- Teachers / Service providers
- Preschoolers (Age 3 Through Age 5)