We Grow
Wildlings LLC
Resources
At We Grow Wildlings, we know that outdoor education is more than just a passing trend. It has been around for over 150 years and has been backed by numerous studies showing its benefits for children. We have compiled a list of articles and websites that expand on the many benefits of outdoor education. We encourage you to explore our links section to learn more and to see why so many families are choosing this alternative approach to education.
Recommended Articles
This brief video and article by The Forest Schools Association does an excellent job of introducing the concept of outdoor-based education.
Have some of your biggest questions answered by Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, founder and executive director of the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools. She'll walk you through the many ways outdoor education prepares children for future learning experiences.
This article by the Natural Learning Initiative details some of the many benefits children experience in outdoor learning environments.
This article offers more proof of the positive effects of outdoor education and also provides a few fun and easy ideas to start incorporating more nature-based experiences into your family's life immediately.
Videos
Wildlings
Changing The Nature Of Preschool
Changing The Nature Of Preschool
The Rise of Forest Schools
The Benefits of Taking Kindergarten Outdoors
REI Presents: In Our Nature - Ep 3 | Are Forest Preschools the way of the future?
Outdoor Education Supplies
Acorn Naturalists was founded over three decades ago by teachers to create and distribute high-quality, hands-on learning resources for use both inside and outside the classroom.
Nature-Watch's educational products and craft activity kits are designed to teach children about nature. Their award-winning educational materials and crafts engage, enlighten, and enliven the learning experience for children.
Raise your own butterflies, ladybugs, or ants with the help of Insect Lore's fantastic kits and supplies!
Websites
The Natural Start Alliance unites organizations and individuals working toward a future in which every young child has access to high-quality education that includes nature and the environment every day.
We Grow Wildlings LLC is proud to be included in The Natural Start Alliance's directory of over 1,000 organizations such as schools, environmental education centers, professional associations, and more.
The Community Playthings website is not only an online shopping platform for childhood programs, it's a great source of ideas and information for anyone interested in supporting a young child's development and education.
The Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS) is a non-profit organization that provides services, support, and inspiration to early childhood professionals. They also offer free webinars for families who want to better understand how outdoor education can benefit their children.
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has many wonderful programs that are specifically designed to encourage environmental education and stewardship. The award-winning Growing Wild curriculum is one of our favorite lesson-planning resources here at We Grow Wildlings. You can find a sample lesson and many free resources on their website.