Nature for the Very Young: A Handbook of Indoor and Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers

by Marcia Bowden, Marilyn Rishel (Illustrator)

A Unique Book on Outdoor Education for Young Children . Nature for the Very Young Nature For the Very Young At school or at home, this lively handbook of inventive and entertaining activities will delight, and educate, children from preschool age to second grade. Nature for the Very Young offers a unique combination of preschool readiness material and learning activities that use nature explorations as a springboard for learning and growing. The lessons are built around background information for the adults and proven learning activities for the children. The teaching aids are presented full scale to facilitate teacher use. Throughout Nature for the Very Young, the material is designed to focus on the basic concepts appropriate to a young child's level of development and ability. These concepts include color recognition, sequencing, body awareness, reading readiness, and other important skills. You will also find invaluable guidance on leading a group of young children on field trips and on keeping the group focused on exploring nature. Whether you are a parent, teacher, day care instructor, camp counselor, or librarian, and no matter what region of the country you live in, Nature for the Very Young offers hours of learning fun, outdoors and indoors.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Parenting, Science

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 17, 1989

Reviews

[Becca Tillotson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sure it would have been better used by someone in a cooler climate with real winters, those seasonal activities were rather wasted on us 😅 but the rest is fine!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 and 1/2 stars. Great ideas for familiarizing children with nature and incorporating the outdoors into age appropriate lessons. I learned some things as well. Too bad there is not an updated version with color pictures and more recently published resources.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a book of activities, so much as a compilation of lesson plans. Furthermore, many of the lessons are very specific to the northeast and would not translate well to other areas of the country. That said, there are a couple of outstanding lessons and ideas in the book. I think if I just photocopy about 20 pages I'll be set (shhh. I didn't really say that.)

[A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a series of lesson plans and activities suited to New England and preschoolers. It made me want to have a whole morning dedicated to nature study with the kids! It had some great ideas and gave me a good POV for pursuing nature learning.

[Brigid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very North Eastern USA centric. Many activities would have to be adapted in order to work for southern, or western habitats.

[Kenzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic resource for helping little kids learn about nature. It's pretty open ended but
It also has some specific activities.