Resources and Research
Merry Lea is a resource to area districts and early childhood educators to incorporate nature-based experiences into the classroom for furthering children’s learning.
When an appropriate pedagogy of nature-based early childhood education (NbECE) is implemented, there are myriad health and cognitive benefits for children’s development. Their learning experience becomes deep, authentic and lasting.
Written Program Resources
Kinderforest: Connections to Indiana Academic Standards
How does Kinderforest connect to academic standards? Although meeting academic standards is not the intent behind nature-based early childhood education, they are inevitably supported within well-designed and high-quality Forest Kindergartens. Learn about how this can be accomplished in our white paper:
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A Guide on Creating Kinderforest Lesson Plans
Using Kinderforest’s pedagogical approach to connect nature-based activities with classroom curriculum can be challenging. To help with this, these guidelines describe best practices when developing facilitated activities for a Kinderforest day. They can be used as a guide when choosing activities, writing lesson plans and preparing accompanying materials.
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General Safety and Behavior Guidelines
This document captures the overall guidelines that educators may consider or implement in their own nature-based activities. Some of these guidelines include facilitating risky play, encouraging respectful behavior and adjusting to weather.
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Sit Spot Pedagogy and Academic Alignments
Research shows that sit spot time is an opportunity for self-exploration, to develop a sense of self-awareness and an appreciation for a student’s own space. Each student has a journal to record their thoughts, their observations of what they hear, smell and see, pose questions or share their feelings.
Read MoreRegional & National Research
Research and Resources: Nature-based Education
What is a Nature Preschool? How do Forest Kindergartens support students’ growth? What are the benefits of a nature-based education program?
This resource is a collection of pedagogies, philosophies and cited benefits associated with nature schools that are back by research. These cited sources are hyperlinked and made available for further reading to: aid educators in incorporating nature-based practices into their classrooms, provide justification for administrators or parents, or simply inform interested parties.
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