"Think of nature and think of play. Combine the two. That's nature play!"
- Rachel Wilson (2018)
Nature Play
Children need to be engaged in nature play before they can effectively develop environmental knowledge, critical consciousness and a genuine concern for the natural world. The following sessions and activities are intended to engage elementary and secondary students in nature play. Many of the activities are designed to promote play that involves nature and promotes a positive experience in nature.
Nature Sessions Overview
Suggested Time:
Four - 75 minute sessions (2 sessions at the elementary school; 2 sessions at the secondary school)
- Students will work in assigned cross-age groups.
- Each session includes opportunities for students to engage in nature play and make connections to environmental knowledge.
- Lesson plans and additional resources are provided for each nature session.
- The following lesson plans include:
- 1) cross-curricular connections to the BC Curriculum
- 2) links to core competencies
- 3) instructions for teacher and student involvement
- 4) considerations for assessment
- 5) ideas for integrated, enrichment activities should teachers wish to extend student learning
Suggested Time:
Four - 75 minute sessions (2 sessions at the elementary school; 2 sessions at the secondary school)
Session 1: Introduction & Nature Sketches
Session 2: Scavenger Hunt & Get to Know a Plant
Session 3: Nature Heads & Nature Sketches
Session 4: Nature Sampling & Microscope Observations
Additional Nature Play Ideas & Activities
The following activities are intended to also promote nature play and cross-curricular learning. Teachers may choose to include or adapt these activities for any of nature sessions described above.