Bright Ideas - The Natural Start Blog

Watch Claire Warden's Conference Keynote, "I Wonder Why?"

September 4, 2018

Claire Warden reflects on the links that connect nature pedagogy in all of its forms across the world, as teachers learn with children inside, outside, and beyond. Read More

Getting Nature Preschoolers Ready for Kindergarten

November 29, 2017

How do nature-based early learning programs support growth across the development domains and foster skills that prepare students for kindergarten? Join Natural Start Alliance members to discuss this topic in an upcoming webinar and Twitter chat. Read More

Nature Preschools and Kindergartens at Record Numbers in the U.S.

November 17, 2017

Nature-based preschools and kindergartens continue to rise in popularity in the United States. A national survey of nature-based early childhood educators conducted in 2017 identified more than 250 nature preschools and forest kindergartens operating across the country. Read More

Forest Days Evaluation Report Documents Benefits and Key Ingredients for Success

September 5, 2017

A recent evaluation report on the Forest Days initiative in Vermont and New Hampshire schools finds that programs not only support academic learning but also offer social, emotional, physical, and community benefits to participants. Read More

Chicago Zoological Society Announces 2018 NatureStart™ Course

September 1, 2017

NatureStart™ is a week-long professional development program focusing on skill development for educators who work with young children in zoos, aquariums, and nature centers. Read More

Help Make the Case for Nature-Based Early Childhood Education

June 28, 2017

The Council of Nature and Forest Preschools seeks volunteers interested in collecting research findings, testimonials, and policy examples that support nature-based learning in early childhood. Read More

Your STEM Questions Answered

February 23, 2017

Fiddleheads Forest School follows up with educators to answer questions about STEM teaching in the outdoors. Read More

New Grant Commits $1.75 Million to Support Outdoor Learning in Colorado

January 24, 2017

The Colorado Health Foundation has awarded the National Wildlife Federation and partners funds to support Early Childhood Health Outdoors, an initiative to bring naturalized outdoor spaces to early childhood education centers across Colorado. Read More

Books for Exploring Winter Environments

January 16, 2017

We've collected some of our favorite books for exploring winter environments with young children--from snowy cities streets to hushed forests at night. Read More

Natural Start Welcomes New Director

December 21, 2016

The Natural Start Alliance is set to begin 2017 with exciting changes and new growth. We are thrilled to welcome Emilian Geczi as the new Director of the Natural Start Alliance. Read More

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