What is Nature-Based Learning?
Inside: No matter what the specific approach, nature-based learning provides an opportunity for children to connect with the natural world.
Nature-based learning is a philosophy that incorporates nature into the educational experience. The idea is that children learn best when they are actively engaged in their environment and that nature provides the perfect setting for this type of learning.
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What is Nature-Based Learning?
Nature-based learning is the belief that it fosters a love of nature, and instills a sense of wonder and curiosity. It helps children to develop problem-solving skills.
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It can take place in any outdoor setting, including parks, gardens, forests, and even your own backyard. You do not have to live in a rural area to take a nature-based learning approach in your homeschool.
Nature-based learning is a term used to describe educational approaches that integrate elements of the natural world into the learning process.
It takes place in a variety of settings, including:
- traditional classrooms/homeschools
- outdoor classrooms
- in homes
- school gardens
- forest schools
- farm-based schools
It has been shown to offer a number of benefits for both children and adults, including:
- improved academic performance
- increased physical activity levels
- enhanced social and emotional development
Forest School Cards
With these Forest School Activity Cards, you can make use of the outdoors to introduce new concepts and encourage curiosity. Print these cards, cut them out, and put them in a jar. Each day pull a card out and do that activity. What do you get? 42 cards to keep your kids interested in going outside
Why Nature-Based Learning is Gaining Popularity
No matter what the specific approach, it provides an opportunity for children to connect with the natural world.
This approach to education emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning in natural settings. With the belief that connecting with the natural world can help children develop important life skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking.
There is growing evidence to support the effectiveness of nature-based learning. You don’t have to get fancy or feel like you need to completely change your homeschool plans to add nature to your homeschool.
Just start with some walks in your neighborhood, or even just in your backyard. You might be surprised just how different you and your kids feel after getting fresh air every day.
Start small. With a walk. Then move on to trying something else, or adding something to your day.
Want More?
10 Nature-Based Activities for Toddlers
