We loosely use Exploring Nature with Children, as a spine for our play and learning outside. I say loosely, only because the curriculum was written for children elementary age and older. I have easily been able to find books and activities that allow us to explore the same topics in a more toddler friendly way.
I love the curriculum because it helps me choose what to focus on each week when we are outside in the backyard, and on nature walks. I don’t feel comfortable enough with nature to just wing it all the time, and I am learning right alongside Big Kid. She probably doesn’t even know we “study nature” every week.
On this page you will see a list of the books and resources we have used to explore the world beyond our walls. Not all of them will be aligned with the curriculum, but most will be.
Gardening – Planting a Garden, Peas, Tops and Bottoms, Sunflower House, Composting, Bonding With Family,
Exploring Nature With Children – June Week 2 – Bees
Exploring Nature With Children – May Week 4 – Butterfly Symmetry, Butterfly Life Cycle, Butterfly Anatomy, Butterflies of the World
Exploring Nature With Children – May Week 1 & 2 Caterpillars
Exploring Nature With Children – April Week 4 – Grasses
Exploring Nature With Children – March Week 4 – Garden Snails
Exploring Nature with Children – March Week 3 – Vernal Equinox
Changing Seasons – check out a few books here.
Exploring Nature with Children – March Week 2 – Spring Pond Study
See some fun books about rocks here.
Exploring Nature with Children – March Week 1 – Nesting Birds
Exploring Nature with Children – February Week 3 – Evergreens
Exploring Nature with Children – February Week 2 – Earthworms
Exploring Nature with Children – January Week 2 – Moon Week
Exploring Nature with Children – January Week 1 – Winter Sky
Exploring Nature with Children – December Week 2 – Birds
Exploring Nature with Children – December Week 1 – Christmas Plants
Exploring Nature with Children – November Week 4 – Weather
Yellow Time – Check out this great nature book here.
Exploring Nature with Children – November Week 2 – Moss
Exploring Nature with Children – November Week 1 – Fungus
Exploring Nature with Children – October Week 4 – Pumpkins
Exploring Nature with Children – October Week 3 – Autumn Trees
Exploring Nature with Children – October Week 2 – Autumn Pond Study
Exploring Nature with Children – October Week 1 Autumn Leaves
Exploring Nature with Children – September Week 4 Autumnal Equinox
Exploring Nature with Children – September Week 3 Harvest Moon
Exploring Nature with Children – September Week 1 Seed Week
Exploring Nature with Children – August Week 3 Summer Pond Study
Exploring Nature with Children – August Week 2 A Senses Walk
Exploring Nature with Children – August Week 1 Nighttime Sky
Kid's Lit Life 