Early Childhood Nature Curriculum for the Formal Preschool Classroom

Abstract

Children who are close to nature tend to relate to it as a source of wonder, joy, and awe; their spirits are nurtured by nature and they discover through it "sources of human sensibility.” These outdoor interactions enhance learning and the quality of life over the span of ones lifetime (Wilson,1992). Research indicates that children must develop a sense of respect and care for the natural world during early grades or be at risk of never developing such attitudes (Davis, 1998, Louv, 2008; & Wilson, 1992). This early childhood nature curriculum project provides twelve monthly lessons and newsletters to the preschool teachers at Happy Time Day Care Center of Duluth, Minnesota. Each lesson focuses on nature awareness and appreciation with both indoor and outdoor natural experiences that meet Minnesota's Early Learning Standards, NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards, and the National Education Science Standards.