OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder- book by RIchard Louv
Louv draws on a large body of research, “indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults.” (back cover) This book also provides a strong foundation for learning about nature-based education and provides solutions to teachers and parents to prevent “nature deficiency disorder.”
Leave No Child Inside- article by Richard Louv
This short article follows up his book, Last Child in the Woods. He highlights his issues with over-development and how it impacts children being outside. Louv cites research why time in nature benefits children and cites the negative impacts of children spending too much time inside.
Childhood and Nature: Design Principles for Educators- book of essays by David Sobel
In the first section of this book Sobel argues, “What gets lost when we focus on facts are the initiation experiences, the moments of transcendence when the borders between the natural world and ourselves break down.” (pg 12). He suggests seven design principles to help children create authentic, transcendent experiences with nature. The remainder of the book is a series of essays providing specific examples of environmental education programs that utilize the seven design principles.
How to Raise a Wild Child- book by Scott D. Sampson
This text offers meaningful and lasting connections between children and nature, through time in nature and a supportive adult. He offers suggestions for nature exploration and ideas for adult mentors (teachers, parents, caregivers) in various scenarios, for different ages of children, and combats challenges and obstacles connected to nature-focused education.
Project Learning Tree: PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide- book and curricular program
PLT is an environmental education program that utilizes hands-on and interdisciplinary activities to promote engagement with the local community. The program uses the lens of trees to provide over 90 lesson plans that teachers can adapt to their local place. PLT often hosts workshops for teachers to familiarize with the curriculum tools.