Contents Foreword by Rachel A. Larimore xi Acknowledgments xv Introduction xvii 1. Why Nature-Based Learning? 1 Supporting Whole-Child Development 1 More Than Just Academics 2 Raising Environmental Champions 4 Reflection Questions 7 Part I: Overcoming Barriers to Nature-Based Learning 2. Program Management and Safety 13 Weather 13 Insects and Plants 23 Urban Versus Rural Concerns 26 Risky Play in Unlicensed Spaces 27 Reflection Questions 28 3. Involving Families 31 Setting Expectations 31 Cultural Misunderstandings 38 Family Capacity 40 Reflection Questions 41 4. Program and Classroom Logistics for Exploring Outside 43 Managing the Gear 43 Establishing Routines 46 Classroom Expectations 50 Reflection Questions 54 5. Time Management 57 Who Has Time for Nature? 57 When to Do Learning With Nature 59 Make Nature Visible and Touchable 64 Finding the Ways That Nature Can Enhance the Work You Are Already Doing 65 Reflection Questions 66 6. Accessing Nature in Any Program 67 Location 68 Cost 69 Space 76 Reflection Questions 80 Part II: Nature-Based Learning--Habits of Mind 7.

Focus 85 An Observational Game 86 Sensory Exploration 88 Observational Drawings 91 Mindfulness 93 Reflection Questions 95 8. Making Connections 97 Cause and Effect 97 Compare and Contrast 100 Parts of a Whole 103 Reflection Questions 105 9. Communication 107 Asking Questions 108 Emergent Curriculum 111 Reflection Questions 115 10. Collaboration 117 Teacher-Facilitated Collaboration 118 Child-Led Collaboration 119 Community-Wide Collaboration 123 Reflection Questions 127 11. Strategic Thinking 129 A Space for Learning 131 Let Curiosity Be Your Guide 132 The Deep Dive 134 Making Sense of the Data 136 Reflection Questions 138 12. The Resources 139 Print Resources 139 Support Networks 141 Logistical Support 142 Community Support 144 Reflection Questions 145 Endnotes 147 References 149 Appendix A: Sample Risk-Benefit Analysis Chart 155 Appendix B: Examples of How Nature Ties in to Pre-Existing Curriculum Models 157 Index 159 About the Author 165.