As nature-based educators, we must consider our impacts on both abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) factors in the ecosystems we engage with. While we may not explicitly teach children how to interact with nature, our actions in daily practice send implicit messages to children and families about these relationships. Therefore, it is critical to be mindful and intentional about the impact we have.
Resources mentioned:
Navigating Animal Handling in the Nature-based Classroom Mindful Turtle episode
Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-Based Classrooms in Pre-K through 3rd Grade is available through the Samara Shop
Leave No Trace website
About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. 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 multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.
About Samara Early Learning
Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops, The Grove membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!
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