Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens: The Handbook for Outdoor Learning

by David Sobel (Editor), Patti Bailie (Contributor), Ken Finch (Contributor)

Environmental education expert David Sobel joins with a variety of colleagues to share their experiences and steps for creating a successful forest kindergarten program. Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens walks you through the European roots of the concept to the recent resurgence of these kinds of programs in North America. Going well beyond a history lesson, these experts provide the framework to understand the concepts and build a learning community that stimulates curiosity and inquisitiveness in a natural environment. This helpful guide provides the curriculum, ideas, and guidance needed to foster special gifts in children. It also gives you the nuts and bolts of running a successful nature preschool business, such as potential obstacles, staff and curriculum design, best practices for success, site and facility management, and business planning. Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens provides the mentorship and guidance to become a leader in nature-based education. David Sobel has spent the last twenty-five years working in the field of child development, place-based education, and parenting with nature. He currently serves as senior faculty in the education department at Antioch University New England in Keene, New Hampshire. His expertise and passion have led him to authoring seven books and being identified as one of the "gurus and rock stars of environmental education" by Teacher magazine.

Genres: Nature, Education, Parenting

280 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2015

Reviews

[Tiffany Rampey · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book, it was perfect to read before heading into the school year as a reminder of the importance of outdoor play

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great ideas, lots of examples, and mechanics of creating a program. It did not address inclusion of children with diverse or unique abilities or needs other than to say outdoor learning was not a fit for every child.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has so many excellent ideas for emerging preschool teachers who want to focus on nature. I loved that Sobel met some of the issues head on (such as with injuries and gun play) and gave answers that helped. I came out of this book feeling confident and with a ton of ideas bouncing around. It was exactly what I wanted.

[Candice Lally · Rating 4 out of 5]

How I wish there was a nature school around here. But we get out in the woods as much as we can and do nature studies and free outdoor play so it’s all good. This was so informative and super inspiring, especially with this fall weather and the need to get out in the crisp air.

[Laurel]

AFFIRMS MY VIEW CHILDREN NEED TO BE OUTSIDE PLAYING