Nature sets the stage for endless opportunities of discovery, exploration, and appreciation when children's innate curiosity is encouraged. Vivid narratives anchored by colorful photographs and children's stories capture the meaningful learning that takes place when children get out of the classroom and engage and connect with the natural world. Each child-directed experience is framed by a standard in the approaches to learning domain, demonstrating how nature can be used as a unique tool to support early learning. Lens on Outdoor Learning includes
My favorite book about getting children back into nature is Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods, but I have to say Lens On Outdoor Learning is right up there with Louv's. The book has full color, real-life illustrations that correspond with fantastic learning activities for children of all ages. All learning areas are covered including math, science and dramatic play. One of my favorite quotes from the book is this one: "Nature is thus a key player in meeting early learning standards. Where else can children lie on their backs and wonder why clouds move across the sky? Where else can they observe the transformation of a green tree into a golden one during the fall, and then watch it drop its leaves to the ground one by one? Where else can children discover where frogs lay their eggs, or come upon a dead bird and wonder what happens when an animal or a person dies? Where else can they discover ice in a bucket that yesterday held water? May of the things that happen outside for children simply cannot happen anywhere else" (p. 184) This is the perfect book for all early childhood educators and programs to have in their library. It will encourage you and allow you to implement best practices (each national standard is explained in great easy to understand manner) when it comes to combining learning and nature. A powerful combination to be sure. Not only is this is a textbook reference for early childhood educators but perfect for parents and homeschool programs as well. I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!
The outdoors is filled with rich learning experiences for young children. Packed with colorful photographs and detailed stories about children exploring and experiencing nature, Lens on Outdoor Learning will inspire you to facilitate and encourage children's learning as they spend time in nature. Each story describes how children naturally explore and create their own learning experiences outdoors. Using images, children's dialogue and actions, you will see how the natural world supports joyful and meaningful learning that connects to the approaches to learning standards. 256 pages