What does Nature-Based Curriculum look like in Winter?
- Posted by Victoria Hackett
- Categories The Seedling BLOG
- Date December 5, 2016
- Comments 0 comment
What does Nature-Based Curriculum look like in Winter?
Nature Play has proven to be beneficial in all learning domains. Richard Louv’s research has shown that time in nature improves test scores, along with, healthier and happier children and families. Exploring Nature in Winter provides especially wonderful opportunities for Natural Teachers to make unexpected connections with their curriculum.
What is Nature Based Curriculum?
Nature-Based Curriculum:
- Is a hands-on, interactive learning experience that uses Nature as the main teaching tool.
- Can be used both indoors and out.
- Inspires teachers to use both their indoor and outdoor environments equally when designing learning experiences for children
- Can be used to enhance curriculum across all domains of development
- Reconnects children with Nature
How can Literacy Inspire Nature-Based Curriculum?
Find a topic you are interested in and find a nature-based book that connects or find a nature-based book that inspires a topic.
- Get Curious: How does a tree become a Log?
- Read a Book: Life Under a Log
- Discuss: Ask questions & make a hypothesis
- Discuss vocabulary: Decomposition
- Add an “Observation” Log to your Outdoor Classroom
- Observe over time
- Roll the log over and discuss Habitat under the Log
- Keep a class journal, invite children to take pictures, draw, etc.
What does Nature-Based Curriculum look like in Winter?
Winter offers a completely different environment for children to explore. This is the beauty of having four seasons. Think. What is happening in Nature in Winter?
- Animals are hibernating
- Birds are enjoying your bird feeders
- Snow is falling
- Animals are making tracks
- Temperatures are dropping
- Ice is forming
Do you see the difference? Do you see how Winter can open the doors to a host of new adventures? Now I want to hear from you. I challenge you. Can you think of a Nature-Based Curriculum idea from these “seeds of inspiration?” Leave your idea in the comments below.
Do you want to learn more? Check out the Exploring Nature in Winter Master Class. Register Today!
ABOUT VICTORIA:
My mission is for every child in every school to have access to an Outdoor Classroom. Therefore, I inspire educators to teach outdoors and lead an on-line virtual community of Natural Teachers all over the world to create their own Outdoor Classroom story.
You may also like
November 2022 Gratitude Project
Have you ever read about the benefits of a gratitude practice that uses a gratitude journal? Have you ever felt the effects of a random act of kindness? Has anyone ever told you the secret to happiness is all about …
What if you could find inspiration for the design and curricula of your outdoor classroom from nature-based children’s books? What if you could be intentional about choosing books that connect both with your outdoor classroom design and activities? DESIGN: At …
How Can I bring More Wildlife to Our Outdoor Classroom?
How Can I Bring More Wildlife To Our Outdoor Classroom/Backyard Learning Garden? Are you struggling with how to attract birds, butterflies, and interesting bugs for children to explore in your outdoor classroom? Do you look at a blank cement top …