Nature Play Workshop for Families

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