Look Up, Look Down
Share this storybook about outdoor learning with children and try the learning prompts as you go. Later, when you’re outdoors or just looking out the window, look up and look down… and help children try some of these ideas!
- Notice clouds like Rosita, describe cloud shapes… and together, move your bodies in the wind, just like clouds.
- Observe or take care of plants and flowers like Abby… and talk about how they need sun and water to grow!
- Watch birds like Bert and Ernie… and describe what the different birds you see look like. Notice how they fly, sing, and eat. How are they the same and different?
- Examine different kinds of tree bark like Ernie… and describe how they feel and look.
- Make your own shadows like Grover on a sunny day… and notice what happens when you move.
- Appreciate re-using and recycling like Oscar… and encourage children to draw on both sides of paper (and let them help you put paper in the recycling bin).
- Count stars like the Count… and wish upon a star together.
- Notice how the moon looks different throughout the month, like Elmo and his daddy.
Nature Is Everywhere
Nature is all around us — even on a city block — and it’s for everyone to notice, discover, observe, wonder about, and enjoy.
Outdoor Play in Every Way
Engaging with nature is an opportunity for wonder, hands-on discovery, and creativity — all building blocks for healthy development and future learning.
Nature Is Everywhere: Draw & Sing Along
Look up, look down… look all around!
Senses After a Rainstorm
Children can use all their senses when engaging with nature.
Caring for Nature: Let's Color Together
Children can find awe, delight, joy, and pride by noticing and taking care of the nature around them.
Outdoor Play: A Marvelous Mess
It’s okay to get messy sometimes!
The Beauty of Quiet Time Outdoors
Children can begin to recognize nature as a place they can find calm... and be calmed.
