5 Easy Steps for Having More Nature-Based Learning in Your Classroom

Presented by Rachel Larimore, Ph.D., Chief Visionary, Samara Early Learning

Sponsored by Kaplan Early Learning Company

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Nature-based education seems to be all the rage lately, particularly since the start of the pandemic. The reality is there are many benefits to nature-based learning for children’s whole development—not just their physical well-being. There are also benefits to teachers! (Imagine having more joy in your workday!) However, for many educators, implementing a nature-based approach is easier said than done. How do we bring nature inside? How do we accomplish our curricular goals outside? What do we do about the logistics of weather, dirt, bathrooms, etc.? What do we say to families who don’t understand why the children are “just playing outside”?

This edWebinar first explores the fundamental principles of the nature-based approach. Then, Dr. Rachel Larimore provides five simple steps, aligned with these principles, to intentionally integrate the approach into teaching practice—no matter your current situation. Viewers leave the session with tangible ideas that can be implemented the next day as well as some ideas that can be worked toward in the future.

This recorded edWebinar is of interest to PreK-3 teachers and school and district leaders, as well as early childhood researchers and scholars.

About the Presenter

Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, speaker, researcher, and author. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young children’s holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written three books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool and Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning. Dr. Larimore is the founder and chief visionary of Samara Early Learning, an organization focused on helping early childhood educators start nature-based schools or add nature-based approaches into their existing programs. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

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For more than 50 years, Kaplan Early Learning Company has been a champion for play. From our research-based curricula to enriching classroom environments and innovative technology solutions, Kaplan’s products and services inspire a lifelong love of learning in children and educators. We are architects of learning good and defenders of the imagination. We live for inseparable bonds and open minds. We encourage the eager and inspire the inspirers. We transform lives through play.