Did You Know?

Parents’ attitudes about nature and daily interactions with nature—such as watering plants, caring for pets, reading books about nature, and watching tv shows or movies about nature—have the biggest impact on children’s relationship with and knowledge of nature. 

On this page

children gathering in the garden with teacher

We were at a park near where my parents live, playing on a playground and there were some bees. Instead of screaming or running away she said, ‘I want to watch the bees,’ and we quietly and respectfully watched the bees in awe while they did their thing.

Kyla MacDonald

Parent

Skill Building in Outdoor Play

mom shows baby yellow flowers

Developing Empathy

Even before they can talk, babies begin to show interest in the natural world. As babies explore, their caregivers can model how to touch things gently and treat nature with care. Through consistent exposure, they start to develop empathy for living things and a basic understanding that nature is something to be noticed, respected, and protected.

parent and child exploring yellow fall forest

Budding Curiosity

Returning to a familiar place throughout the year allows children to notice seasonal changes, from the budding flowers in spring to the falling leaves in autumn, sparking a sense of wonder and curiosity in the rhythms of nature.

parent and child looking under a log together

Jenny Hanlon

Deepening Appreciation

Investigating the world through hands-on exploration encourages children to ask questions and seek out answers as they form a deeper understanding and affinity for the world around them.

planting a tree

Nature Forward

Sense of Agency

Taking part in activities that promote sustainability or take care of the natural world provide a sense of personal responsibility, reciprocity and agency

Try This at Home
tummy time in grass
Tummy Time
A blanket on the grass outside transforms tummy time into a fresh air sensory experience and builds strength in babies' necks, shoulders, and backs.
bark rubbings
Texture Rubbings
With a few simple supplies, capture an array of natural textures through an artful exploration of leaves, bark, bricks, shells, and more!
child studying animal tracks in snow
Animal Tracks
Follow footprints in mud or snow to uncover the secret lives of nearby animals—tracking turns your child into a curious nature detective right in your own neighborhood.
elementary child watching water flow
Drain Detectives
Get to know how water flows through your neighborhood by tracing the path of rainfall as it moves from the sky through the gutters to the storm drain, making predictions along the way.
Try This at School
Baby in the garden
Garden Observations
As babies watch grown ups water and weed in the garden, they observe caring in action while taking in the fresh air and sunshine.
Child doing artwork out of recycled materials, glue, washable paints
Recycled Art
Recyclables become creative treasures as toddlers stack, paint, arrange, and turn everyday materials in playful, eco-friendly art!
child writing in notebook
Sound Mapping
Find a comfy spot outdoors to sit down and tune into the world around you, paying close attention to the sounds around, who's making them, how far away they are, and more.
children reading a trail map
Map Exploration
Unfold a world of discovery with maps—by exploring and creating their own, children build spatial awareness, storytelling skills, and a deeper sense of place.