Jane Weir 9/15/24 Jane Weir 9/15/24

Reflecting on Routines for a Calm Nature-based Classroom

In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore explores the importance of establishing consistent routines in nature-based early childhood education.

Rachel Larimore 9/13/24 Rachel Larimore 9/13/24

Naturally Teaching Elementary Science podcast: Interview with Dr. Rachel Larimore

In this podcast, the host of Naturally Teaching Elementary Science hosts Dr. Rachel A. Larimore to discuss the NAture-Based Education Rating Scales (NABERS), and the important and varied roles teachers play in implementing and maintaining quality programs.

Jane Weir 9/8/24 Jane Weir 9/8/24

Mindful Materials: Creating Engaging Outdoor Environments for Young Learners

In this episode of the Mindful Turtle podcast, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore encourages listeners to reflect on whether the interest areas and materials available inside are also present outside.

Jane Weir 8/23/24 Jane Weir 8/23/24

Porch play chat: The nature continuum

In this video, Dr. Rachel Larimore discusses that nature-based education is a continuum. It is not all or nothing.

Jane Weir 6/11/24 Jane Weir 6/11/24

It's science too!

Natural history is important science. Natural history is the science children are engaging with every day in nature-based programs!

Rachel Larimore 5/24/24 Rachel Larimore 5/24/24

Nature-Based Emergent Curriculum: The Power of Place for Planning

This recorded edWebinar, presented by Dr. Rachel Larimore,

Jane Weir 5/14/24 Jane Weir 5/14/24

Experiences rather than activties

An "activity” is a very teacher-led, scripted interaction with a clear structure and intended outcome. Whereas an "experience" is an event or occurrence which leaves an impression on someone.

Jane Weir 4/23/24 Jane Weir 4/23/24

Child-led play

One goal of nature-based early childhood education is to support children’s holistic development. The way we do this is by emphasizing two key elements of early childhood education: 1) Play-based and 2) Child-led.

Jane Weir 4/16/24 Jane Weir 4/16/24

We’re not separate

The core teaching of Nature-based early childhood education (NbECE) is that the learning isn’t just IN nature or ABOUT nature, but is a relationship between nature and the child. That’s why we use the phrase “learning WITH nature.”

Jane Weir 4/9/24 Jane Weir 4/9/24

Planning for Earth Day

Even on special days like Earth Day we want to keep things as play-based and child-led as possible.

Jane Weir 4/2/24 Jane Weir 4/2/24

Enjoying the easy weather

As the weather gets “easier,” I encourage you to spend even more of your day outdoors. Establishing a clear routine and a rich learning space will make the experience much, much better for everyone!

Jane Weir 3/26/24 Jane Weir 3/26/24

Whining or communicating a need?

There are times where young children may sound like they’re whining, but they’re really communicating a need. It’s our job as nature-based early childhood teachers to figure out what it is they need.

Jane Weir 3/5/24 Jane Weir 3/5/24

Trail Map for Leading Change

Leading change in nature-based early childhood education cs difficult. And slow. This means that whether you’re an administrative leader or a classroom leader, it can be a daunting, frustrating task to inspire others toward the nature-based approach.

Jane Weir 2/27/24 Jane Weir 2/27/24

Inspiring Change Toward Nature-based Teaching

If we want others to move toward nature-based early chitdhood teaching our only effective option is to inspire.

Jane Weir 2/13/24 Jane Weir 2/13/24

Evaluating Natureness: Community & family engagement

Family engagement and community partnerships are areas of nature-based education that sometimes get overlooked, but are important components for a thriving program. Let’s look at each…

Jane Weir 2/6/24 Jane Weir 2/6/24

Evaluating Natureness: Quality comes from the people

Remember, nature-based pedagogy is a collection of practices. All of these practices are ultimately influenced or implemented by administrators and teachers.

Jane Weir 1/30/24 Jane Weir 1/30/24

Evaluating Natureness: Collection of practices

Can we call ourselves nature-based?

I often hear this from early childhood educators. My response? Nature-based education is a collection of practices that prioritize children’s experiences learning with nature.

Jane Weir 1/23/24 Jane Weir 1/23/24

So Much More Than A Cute Kid Story

At first glance this may seem like just a cute kid story. We have lots of cute kid stories in our work, don’t we? But like with almost every cute story…there’s real depth to notice.

Jane Weir 1/17/24 Jane Weir 1/17/24

Abundance of Distractions

Distractions only increase as we move through the year. There will slowly be more bird calls, more insects, more buds popping and forming into leaves, animals having babies, and so on. That means now, when there are fewer distractions, is a great time to start a phenology journal!