Nature and Young Children: Encouraging Creative Play and Learning in Natural Environments, 3rd Edition
This book by Ruth Wilson, updated for its 3rd edition with the newest research, best practices, and policy, is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to enhance nature experiences for early childhood. It goes over many facets of early childhood nature-based play and learning, including cultural awareness, safe play, urban environments, peace education integrations with nature education, and so much more.
A positive and caring attitude toward the environment is a critical component of environmental literacy, and research shows that most attitudes are formed early in life. Providing young children with frequent opportunities to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world, develop positive emotional connections with their immediate surroundings, and care for plants and animals establishes a necessary foundation for learning about environmental issues and taking appropriate action later in life. In addition, a growing body of evidence documents the many benefits that time spent playing and learning in nature has on children’s healthy development. View more resources in the Early Childhood EE PRO Picks collection >