Outdoor and Nature-Based Learning

MDE Resource Guides

The Minnesota Department of Education developed resources to support early education programs educators in developing and implementing outdoor and nature-based learning opportunities for young children. Children who spend time interacting with nature develop a sense of responsibility and respect for nature, living things and the world around them. This ensures a future with people who will advocate for the natural world and natural spaces that benefit everyone.

• Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Ideas Guide  - 9/8/23
  See the possibilities for nature-based learning in common spaces for young children. A companion document to the Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Booklet.
• Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Booklet  - 11/22/21
  Written by Anna Dutke, Jenny Hanlon and Sheila Williams Ridge, this booklet is an early childhood educator's go-to for outdoor learning.

Webinars

• Curriculum is Falling from Above: Hands-On Activities to do in the Fall. Learn hands-on activities that you can do with young children in the fall, no matter what your outdoor space looks like. [Captions available in English and Spanish].
• Be Inspired: Nature-Based Learning in Practice. Educators from three programs share how they have incorporated nature-based learning to fulfill their program’s mission: A family child-care program, a faith-based program and an intergenerational program. [Captions available in English and Spanish]. 
• Curriculum is Falling from the Sky: Hands on Activities to do in the Winter. Presenters share hands-on activities that you can do with young children in the winter, no matter what your outdoor space looks like. Featuring Pete Cleary from Dodge Nature Preschool and Sheila Williams Ridge as moderator. [Captions available in English and Spanish].
• Give Me Proof: Exploring What the Research Says About Nature-Based Learning. Hear directly from researchers in the field about how nature-based learning supports growth in all areas of development to help children thrive. [Captions available in English and Spanish].
• Curriculum is Sprouting Up All Over: Hands-on Activities to do in the Spring. Learn about hands-on activities that you can do right away with young children in the spring no matter what your outdoor space looks like. [Captions available in English and Spanish].
• Changing Landscapes: Planning Your Outdoor Space. Learn how to how to renew or redo your outdoor space to enhance nature-based learning opportunities. Find out where to start, get new ideas, through step-by-step planning directions from outdoor learning design experts and teachers. [Captions available in English and Spanish].
• Dream Green: Sustainability Practices in Early Childhood Programs. Be inspired by a zero-waste school in northern Minnesota. [Captions available in English and Spanish].
• Safety First! Addressing Outdoor Safety and Outdoor Learning Policies in Early Care and Education Settings. Participants will have the opportunity to consider their outdoor policies and examine other appropriate policies, grow in their confidence in bringing children outdoors in all weather, and reflect on risk reduction plans related to the outdoors. [Captions available in English and Spanish].
• Curriculum Planning and Assessment with Nature in Mind. Participants have an opportunity to explore the Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIP), discuss their current assessment tools and discover ways to support using the ECIPs and their assessment tools for lesson planning in outdoor and nature-based learning programs. Participants should review ECIPs on the MDE website prior to webinar. [Captions available in English and Spanish].
• Adventure One: Exploring nature as a teacher for social-emotional development and social systems. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the ECIPs as a guide for promoting children’s progress in the domain of approaches to learning, social-emotional development, and social systems in outdoor and nature-based learning environments. We will also discuss using assessment tools to document child development in these areas. [Captions available in English and Spanish].
• Adventure Two: Exploring Nature as a Teacher for Language, Literacy, Communication, Creativity and the Arts. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the ECIPs as a guide for promoting children’s progress in the domain of language, literacy, & communication and creativity & the arts in outdoor and nature-based learning environments. We will also discuss using assessment tools to document child development in these areas.
• Adventure Three: Exploring Nature as a Teacher for Math and Science. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the ECIPs as a guide for promoting children’s progress in the domains of math and science in outdoor and nature-based learning environments. We will also discuss using assessment tools to document child development in these areas.
• Adventure Four: Exploring Nature as a Teacher for Physical Development. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the ECIPs as a guide for promoting children’s progress in the domain of physical development in outdoor and nature-based learning environments. We will also discuss using assessment tools to document child development in these areas.

Local and National Resources

Local Resources

• Project Learning Tree: A curriculum developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that focuses on advancing student understanding and knowledge of forestry and natural resources.
• Project WET: A hands-on program administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Water Education for Today is an international, interdisciplinary, water-science education program.
• Project WILD: An interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife.
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Teacher Workshop Calendar: Several workshop offerings including Project Learning Tree's award-winning early childhood materials which help bring nature into the classroom and safely take young learners outdoors, whether you live in an urban, suburban, or rural community. (Available online).
• No Child Left Inside Grants: This program aims to support and increase efforts to expand programming that connects youth to the outdoors. It is entering Phase 3, which consists of a first-come, first-served mini grant program with a short timeline, simple application and quick review. Learn more and apply at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ website. 
• Request a free copy of the Nature-Based Early Childhood Program Assessment and Guidebook, which was developed to provide families, programs, and educators with a tool to assist them in evaluating how a program integrates nature into its philosophy and policies, family engagement and community connections, and the outdoor and indoor classroom environments and practices.
• Minnesota Early Childhood Outdoors (MNECO) – MnECO connects early childhood educators throughout the state. Educators share resources and support each other in providing high quality, developmentally appropriate nature-based learning opportunities. 
• Children and Nature Network – This Minnesota based organization provides and abundance of information and research on the benefits of outdoor and nature-based experiences for children. 
• Teach Outdoor Minnesota – Whether you are just beginning and looking to be inspired to take the next step, or further along on your journey and looking for specific curriculum and lessons, Teach Outdoors Minnesota has everything you need to be successful.

National Resources

• The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
  • Guidelines for Excellence – Early Childhood Environmental Education Programs
• Natural Start Alliance: A network of people and organizations that believe all children “need frequent opportunities to experience, learn from, and care for nature and the environment through high-quality education.”