Independent Thinking on Nature-Based Learning

Independent Thinking on Nature-Based Learning

Author: Alexia Barrable

Publisher: Crown House Publishing Ltd

Published: 2022-09-30

Total Pages: 158

ISBN-13: 1781354138

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Foreword by Ian Gilbert. At a time of unprecedented challenges in relation not only to the climate crisis but also to children's and adolescents' mental health, connecting to nature offers an accessible and desirable way forward for today's learners - especially those living in urban surroundings. Bringing together evidence from psychology, environmental science and education, Alexia aims to support teachers as they provide meaningful experiences rooted in learning about and through nature. The book can be used in two ways: to inspire individual sessions in nature, or to support teachers in building a cohesive outdoor-learning curriculum throughout the school. Featuring practical advice, case studies and discussion of original theory, the book aims to inspire, motivate and stimulate educators to engage with alternative approaches to teaching in the outdoors and with nature in mind - and in such a way that promotes students' learning and fosters a long-lasting relationship with nature. Independent Thinking on Nature-Based Learningshares case studies and examples of good practice from a variety of settings - ranging from kindergarten to secondary. Detailing the physical and psychological benefits of being outdoors, the book suggests ways to help build young people's connection with nature and support their autonomy in naturalspaces. Alexia offersideas on how to weave nature and the outdoors into the very fabric of the curriculum - for example, in relation to art, literature and technology. Suitable for teachers and outdoor-learning leaders in early years through to secondary schools. Independent Thinking on Nature-Based Learningis one of a number of books in the Independent Thinking On seriesfrom the award-winning Independent Thinking Press.


Learning with Nature

Learning with Nature

Author: Claire Warden

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2015-09-26

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13: 1473906369

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Learning outside the classroom is a key part of early years and primary practice and is on the rise in settings across the world. This book centres on outstanding outdoor practice and how children can learn and develop in natural environments. Focussing on children aged from 2-11 this book contains: A self-evaluation toolkit for educators to reflect on what they’re doing now and where to develop to be more effective. Examples of practice from around the world and in various environments, including urban settings. An entire chapter on assessment and planning to help ensure and demonstrate quality of provision. Looking at all the possibilities and approaches, there are models for practice to suit every setting so that everyone can make outdoor learning part of the core teaching and learning objectives. Claire Warden is an educational consultant with an international reputation for pioneering work in education and a focus on children’s connection to the natural world.


Independent Thinking in an Uncertain World

Independent Thinking in an Uncertain World

Author: Valerie A. Brown

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-04-29

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 0429760868

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Any effective response to an uncertain future will require independently thinking individuals working together. Human ideas and actions have led to unprecedented changes in the relationships among humans, and between humans and the Earth. Changes in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the energy we use are evidence of Nature – which has no special interest in sustaining human life – looking out for itself. Even the evolutionary context for humans has altered. Evolutionary pressures from the digital communication revolution have been added to those from natural systems. For humans to meet these challenges requires social re-organisation that is neither simple nor easy. Independent Thinking in an Uncertain World explores workable, field-tested strategies from the frontiers of creating a viable future for humans on Earth. Based on research results from hundreds of social learning workshops with communities worldwide, many of them part of Australian National University’s Local Sustainability Project, authors with diverse interests explore the gap between open-minded individual thinking and closed socially defined knowledges. The multiple dimensions of individual, social and biophysical ways of thinking are combined in ways that allow open-minded individuals to learn from one another.


Nature Play Workshop for Families

Nature Play Workshop for Families

Author: Monica Wiedel-Lubinski

Publisher: Quarry Books

Published: 2020-07-14

Total Pages: 147

ISBN-13: 1631598686

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* 2020 National Outdoor Book Awards Winner: Children's With this fun and practical guide to outdoor play, be inspired to unplug and spark a nature connection vital for children's healthy growth and development. *Winner of the 2020 National Outdoor Book Award in the Children's Category* Children and families are plugged into electronics and often disconnected from direct experiences in nature. This beautifully photographed, highly visual resource offers tangible approaches to nature-based learning and play for children. Parents and teachers discover the benefits of outdoor learning and simple ways to facilitate unplugged nature connection in every season. Inspired by nature preschools, forest kindergartens, and forest school models the world over, this guide also includes "Voices from the Field" with advice from experienced nature-based educators. This insightful reference balances nature play experiences with hands-on projects using natural materials and is an ideal jumping off point for immersive nature play. Examples of nature-based child experiences outlined in the book include: Wildlife observation and tracking Nature sounds, songs, and poetry Gardening and cooking with wild edibles Printmaking, charcoal drawing, dyeing, and shadow play Journaling inspired by nature With Nature Play Workshop for Families, any child, anywhere, can spark a nature connection. "Voices from the Field" includes more ideas and tips contributed by leading educators, including: Sally Anderson, Sol Forest School, Tijeras, New Mexico Yash Bhagwanji, Florida Atlantic University Lauren Brown, Asheville Farmstead School Peter Dargatz, Woodside Elementary School, Sussex, Wisconsin Monica French, Wild Haven Forest Preschool and Childcare, Baltimore, Maryland Patricia Leon, Miami Nature Playschool Sheila William Ridge, Shirley G. Moore Lab School, Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota Beth Savitz, Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills, Maryland Maria Soboleski, New Mexico School for the Deaf Paige Vonder Haar, Bunnell House Early Childhood Lab School, Fairbanks, Alaska Susie Wirth, Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Foundation


To Look Closely

To Look Closely

Author: Laurie Rubin

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-10-10

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 1003844367

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Whether it's a trickling stream, a grassy slope, or an abandoned rail line, the natural world offers teachers a wonderful resource around which to center creative, inquiry-based learning throughout the year. Nobody knows this better than veteran teacher Laurie Rubin. In To Look Closely: Science and Literacy in the Natural World , she demonstrates how nature study can help students become careful, intentional observers of all they see, growing into stronger readers, writers, mathematicians, and scientists in the process. Laurie invites you to join her class of twenty-one second graders as they visit a small stream in the woods behind a suburban elementary school, and she shares her reflections on class discussions, activities, and learning experiences. From setting a tone of inquiry-based thinking in the classroom to suggesting specific units of study for reading, writing, and science, Laurie guides teachers step-by-step through the basics of how to integrate the skills acquired through nature study into every subject. You will also discover all the ways this purposeful work nurtures green citizens who grow up determined to value and protect the natural environment. Filled with student journal entries, narratives, and poems inspired by experiences in the natural world, To Look Closely will inspire and encourage you to become a careful observer of your own sit spots outdoors and embrace nature study for a year-;or for whatever part of a year is possible for you. This book will change the way you view the world.


Independent Thinking on Primary Teaching

Independent Thinking on Primary Teaching

Author: Mark Creasy

Publisher: Crown House Publishing Ltd

Published: 2022-02-01

Total Pages: 146

ISBN-13: 1781354030

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Foreword by Ian Gilbert.Primary school teachers are working harder than ever, and have more and more to do in the finite time they have with their pupils, but Mark Creasy believes it doesn't need to be like this. With rare experience in both primary and secondary phases and at leadership as well as classroom levels, Mark is ideally placed to comment on what works and what doesn't - and in this book he urges teachers to recognise that there is another way.In Independent Thinking on Primary Teaching, Mark encourages teachers to stop and consider the things they do daily in the classroom and presents a series of prompts, nudges and suggestions to help them achieve the same (or even better) results by working smarter, not harder. In so doing he shares a wealth of practical and easily transferable tips for immediate use in the classroom, all designed to streamline teachers' schedules and lighten their workload while enlivening children's learning.These are in no way doctrines, or silver bullets for success, and nothing that Mark advocates requires further investment of either time or money; rather, these 'working smarter' tips are geared to win teachers their evenings and weekends back, something that many more teachers need than is healthy for the profession.Essential reading for primary school teachers.Independent Thinking on Primary Teaching is one of a number of books in the Independent Thinking On ... series from the award-winning Independent Thinking Press.


A Practical Guide to Nature-Based Practice

A Practical Guide to Nature-Based Practice

Author: Niki Buchan

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2017-02-09

Total Pages: 128

ISBN-13: 1472938356

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There is a growing realisation that children benefit from being involved in wild spaces. They need dynamic and complex outdoor environments and opportunities for risk and challenge, to play with abandon, have first-hand experiences - places where there is adventure, delight, daring and joy! This book: o Provides a background to forest school and its relevance to Early Years settingso Outlines the challenges and benefits of outdoor learningo Explores the concept of nature-based practiceo Emphasises the importance of free playo Includes case studies in which educators share their journeys into 'wild nature' This book will help adults and children alike to reconnect with their local environment - a must-have for any early years setting!


There is Another Way

There is Another Way

Author: Ian Gilbert

Publisher: Crown House Publishing Ltd

Published: 2015-11-13

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 1781352380

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Edited by Ian Gilbert with chapters by Mark Anderson, Lisa Jane Ashes, Phil Beadle, Jackie Beere, David Cameron (The Real David Cameron), Paul Clarke, Tait Coles, Mark Creasy, Mark Finnis, Dave Harris, Crista Hazell, Martin Illingworth, Nina Jackson, Rachel Jones, Gill Kelly, Debra Kidd, Jonathan Lear, Trisha Lee, Roy Leighton, Matthew McFall, Sarah Pavey, Simon Pridham, Jim Roberson, Hywel Roberts, Martin Robinson, Bethan Stracy-Burbridge, Dave Whitaker, Phil Wood. We are living at a time when loud voices from inside and outside the profession are telling teachers and school leaders 'this' is the way education should be done. This is how you should lead a school. This is how you should manage a class. This is how children should learn. This is what you should do to make children behave. These messages are given as if there is only one way to achieve these things their way. However, with decades of experience working in all types of school around the globe, the many associates of Independent Thinking know there is always another way. This book is for educators everywhere who are hearing these loud voices yet who know that children deserve something better. Full of inspiration and ideas for how to achieve just that, There is Another Way is a call to action to swim against the tide and reclaim the heart of education. All of the royalties from sales of this book will go to the Big i Foundation.


Educating Children Outdoors

Educating Children Outdoors

Author: Amy Butler

Publisher: Cornell University Press

Published: 2024-03-15

Total Pages: 262

ISBN-13: 1501771914

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Educating Children Outdoors is a resource for educators interested in spending extended periods of time in nature with their students. Bringing over two decades of experience working outdoors with teachers and students, Amy Butler offers curricular guidance on nature-based lessons that align with K–12 education standards and build on the innate curiosity and wonder children have for the natural world. This book will help the educator: - Learn successful routines and practices to make learning outdoors safe and engaging - Understand protocols for real and risky play - Draw inspiration from real-life stories from other teachers about learning in nature - Meet NGSS and Common Core standards outdoors with seasonal lessons that are child-centered - Be part of the movement to support children in becoming reconnected with the natural world and the places they call home With twenty-five lessons in five units of study spread out across a seasonal school year and appendixes that offer templates for learning, Educating Children Outdoors is essential for educators looking to harvest the benefits of a nature-based curriculum.