Family Resources
SPRING 2020 TNI Fan Drawing Gallery*
Submit your drawings today to have them displayed in our TNI Fan Drawing Gallery!
Week 3/16-3/22 – Birds: Draw a bird, maybe one you are seeing or hearing, add a fact or two about it, and share it with us via Facebook or email, info@thenatureinstitute.org and we will add it to our Gallery. Here is a great website from Cornell to learn more about birds, click here!
Week 3/23-3/29 – Reptiles and Amphibians: Draw a reptile or amphibian, maybe one you are seeing or hearing, add a fact or two about it, and share it with us via Facebook or email, info@thenatureinstitute.org and we will add it to our Gallery.
* Please limit submissions to one per day. By submitting, you are giving your permission to allow The Nature Institute to post and share your drawing on our website and social media.
Early Childhood and Nature Free Play
In recent years, studies have found evidence for what we at The Nature Institute have known all along: unstructured play and exploration in nature is crucial to the developing human brain. We put together some resources to help you and your little ones get outside, whether that’s at TNI or in your own backyard. The following articles discuss the importance of nature play to healthy development:
Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature
Get Out of the Classroom and Into Nature: The Importance of Nature Play in Child Development
Outdoor learning and green time: How kids benefit from learning and playing in nature
The importance of outdoor play for young children’s healthy development
Want to take a deeper dive into nature play? Check out the resources below.
Websites
- Nature Start Alliance
- Free Forest School
- Green Hearts
- Children & Nature Network
- Natural Learning Initiative
- The National Wildlife Federation
Publications
- “Nature Play at Home”
- “A Parents’ Guide to Nature Play”
- “Nurturing Nature Play Ten Tips for Parents”
- “Be Out There”
Books
- Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
- Nature Play at Home by Nancy Striniste
- There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Åkeson McGurk
- Wonder and Wander: An Early Childhood Nature Connection Guide by Kelly S. Johnson
Outdoor Exploration for School Age Children
Printable Activities
We have created some fun, nature based activities to print and bring with you on your next adventure. These work great for ages 5+, and are good for an individual child or a group. Try them out next time you’re at TNI!