Learning with Nature: A How-To Guide to Inspiring Children through outdoor Games and Activities

Learning with Nature covers a wealth of contemporary outdoor practices as well as ancient traditions for the young naturalist. This book is of interest to educators, families, and anyone working with groups of children. Many ideas can be adapted for a wide range of ages and group sizes. While developing practical and social skills, these activities bring laughter and fun to a respect for the natural world. The activities and games include warm-ups, team building, tool safety, foraging wild plants, and learning about birds, animals, plants, and trees in the wild. The book is organized into four sections: Games, Naturalist Activities, Seasonal Activities, and Survival Skills.

“Always leave a place better than you found it” is the basic message, to ensure the regeneration of natural resources. Based in the United Kingdom, authors Marina Robb, Victoria Mew, and Ann Richardson generously share ideas gathered from many sources to encourage young people to make the nature connection, spending more time outdoors. One author, Victoria Mew, trained with the internationally recognized Wilderness Awareness School here in Duvall, Washington. Evidence of this training is the first-hand contact with the natural world emphasized in this book, which translates well to North America. Learning with Nature is a guide to understanding, thriving in, and caring for our environment.

Published in the December 2018 Leaflet, vol. 4, issue 12