Nature-Based Early Childhood Education

Overview

• Nature-based early childhood education integrates early childhood and environmental education.
• Dual goals:
  • Child development
  • Environmental sustainability and connection to the natural world

Structure of Nature-Based Preschools

• Physical Spaces:
  • Inside
  • Outside
  • Beyond (areas outside immediate surroundings)
• Time Allocation:
  • Minimum 30% of the day spent outside or in the "beyond" area.

Daily Routine

1. Outdoor Play:
   • Duration: 45 minutes to an hour or longer, depending on engagement.
2. Group Gathering:
   • Community building, attendance, and welcome.
3. Teacher-led Activity:
   • Defines the day's "beyond" experience (outdoor excursion).
4. Beyond Time:
   • Duration: 30 minutes to several hours.
5. Snack Time:
   • Location varies (inside, outside, or in the beyond).
6. Choice Time/Free Play:
   • Options for indoor, outdoor play, or play in the beyond.
7. Small Group Activity:
   • Teacher-led but open-ended, focused on co-learning.

Role of the Teacher

• Act as a co-learner rather than a traditional didactic instructor.
• Encourage exploration and curiosity alongside children.

Curriculum and Learning

• Centered around nature and seasonal changes.
• Emphasizes learning with nature, rather than just in or about it.
• Nature acts as an additional teacher.
• Learning emerges from current experiences and interests.

Importance of Nature in Education

• Essential for children's development.
• Regular exposure to nature, not just occasional.
• Helps children develop into complete individuals.

Integration Across Different Environments

• Outdoor elements can be incorporated into any program, regardless of location.
  • Urban or rural settings can both integrate nature meaningfully.

Impact

• Positive effects on children, parents, and teachers.
• Promotes a broader positive impact on the world through increased nature integration.