Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition: A Resource for Educators: Considering Indigenous Perspectives in Children's Environmental Inquiry

by Doug Anderson, Julie Comay, Lorraine Chiarotto

The second edition of Natural Curiosity supports a stronger basic awareness of Indigenous perspectives and their importance to environmental education. The driving motivation for a second edition was the burning need, in the wake of strong and unequivocal recommendations by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to situate Indigenous perspectives into the heart of Canadian educational settings and curricula, most notably in connection with environmental issThe second edition of Natural Curiosity supports a stronger basic awareness of Indigenous perspectives and their importance to environmental education. The driving motivation for a second edition was the burning need, in the wake of strong and unequivocal recommendations by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to situate Indigenous perspectives into the heart of Canadian educational settings and curricula, most notably in connection with environmental issues.

The Indigenous lens in this edition represents a cross-cultural encounter supporting what can become an ongoing dialogue and evolution of practice in environmental inquiry. Some important questions are raised that challenge us to think in very different ways about things as fundamental as the meaning of knowledge.

New in the Second Edition: Revision of the four branches of environmental inquiry (Lorraine Chiarotto), by Julie Comay; Indigenous lenses on each of the branches by Doug Anderson; 16 new educator stories; ues.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nature, Nonfiction

284 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Georgia St.John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic resource for educators! It helped me understand how to teach using inquiry-based pedagogy and experimental learning. I highly encourage every teacher to read this book to better understand the importance of outdoor learning and connecting kids to nature. It is a phenomenal resource for learning how to incorporate indigenous teaching into the classroom.

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natural Curiosity 2nd edition, is a valuable resource, that gives a sense of place to all and offers opportunity to think with Indigenous perspective, building on an exciting momentum where education engages in diversity of cultural awareness. The book transforms the socially constructed fabric of education, nature and childhood, and urges the reader to think beyond child-centred practice.

Reciprocity appears to be the binding element for the four branches of environmental inquiry where each branch seems to complement some of the Indigenous perspectives: Inquiry and Engagement/Lighting the Fire; Experiential Learning/Sending Out Roots; Integrated Learning/The Flow of Knowledge; Moving Towards Sustainability/Breathing with The World.

The Indigenous lens is decontextualized and imbedded in pedagogical documentation. Stories weaved through the book offer a glimpse into learner agency and practice diversity that happen both in early and middle childhood settings, making the book accessible to various sectors in education.

A must have, read and think with resource!

[Asha Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an essential resource for teaching children about climate, nature and Indigenous perspectives in environmental education, particularly as students become more aware of and anxious about the changing environments around them.
Natural Curiosity provides examples and resources to pursue environmental inquiry in the classroom, and gives a great foundation for teachers to begin to work towards getting their kids outside and comfortable in the natural world, leading their learning and inquiry themselves. The book places Indigenous perspectives and educators at the forefront of this learning, providing a framework for teachers and students alike to reframe their thinking about how they view the earth and their relationship with it. It offers great case studies and examples of both Indigenous and settler teachers and educators teaching about the environment, how to preserve it, and how to respect it.

[Haleigh Brody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition supplies an invigorating and eye-opening experience to it’s readers. In their first edition, Natural Curiosity delves deep into the urgency for educators to engage their students in outdoor environmental inquiry. The second edition moves even deeper into the world of environmental inquiry, drawing attention to the importance of recognizing and appreciating Indigenous perspectives through practices of environmental inquiry. Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition welcomes all voices to engage in conversation and deep learning, inspiring a commitment to reconciliation for coming generations of learners. Natural Curiosity, thank you for providing hope and leading our children on a path in becoming environmentally conscious and harmonious citizens.

[Adia Mojsiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natural Curiosity 2nd edition is a great resource that I would recommend to any educator who is interested in integrating environmental inquiry into their practice! Not only does this resource thoroughly explain this pedagogical framework, it connects each branch of environmental inquiry to Indigenous ways of knowing, and explains the importance of Indigenous perspectives in children's environmental inquiry. The experiences of teachers and students with environmental inquiry in the second section of this resource also gives great insight into how to successfully integrate environmental inquiry into practice.

[Edward Larocque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natural Curiosity is an amazing resource on environmental inquiry through an Indigenous lens. Through its pedagogical framework I now have lots of ideas on how to approach environmental inquiry in my classroom. It offers a unique perspective particularly because of its focus on teaching through an Indigenous perspective. I found the book offers rich learning and is a valuable resource for any educator.

[Brandon Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautifully written text that clearly outlines how educators can incorporate and embrace Indigenous ways of knowing into their classrooms. It contains specific activities and adventures that teachers can engage in with their students. The text is written not like a traditional science textbook; it is story-based that flows from one example to the next. It's a pleasure to read.

[Latifa Sleiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich and interactive resource for educators who are interested in delivering hands-on education to build a bond between children and nature from an Indigenous lens. This book takes the children outside the walls of a classroom, directing their senses towards nature awareness. Stimulating our children’s built-in curiosity skills, that’s what this amazing and resourceful book is all about.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is interested in incorporating both Environmental Education and Indigenous perspectives into my teaching, Natural Curiosity could not have been a more perfect resource for me! It provides wonderful examples from educators, connecting them all clearly to the 4-part framework laid out for the environmental inquiry process.

[Luo Yiqi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natural Curiosity provides a pedagogical framework that brings Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing to the curriculum. It has transformed my teaching practices and perceptions of environmental education. It was a very enriching reading experience, and I will definitely recommend it to all educators. Thank you!

[aleksa ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a phenomenal resource that bridges the gap between theory and practice. It prompts the reader to ask important questions of self-reflection and provides examples of hands-on experiences of educators who have incorporated Indigenous perspectives into their teaching pedagogy and practice. A must-read for all educators!