Find books, articles, videos, studies, lesson plans and other resources to help educators and parents (re)connect children and adults with the natural world. Save Save
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reverence
Why We Need Humane Education: Students Need to Be Solutionaries
by Amanda Schmidt In 1995 when I was eight years old, we moved from Palmdale, California, across the country to Buffalo, New York, where I still currently live. Some of my best memories are from living in California. My early experiences there laid the foundation that has led me to humane education. Palmdale is a…
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The Wonder Box
The Wonder Box is used to hold a collection of various natural found objects (shells, leaves, feathers, rocks, twigs, deceased insects, etc.). Students can interact with the objects, inspecting them, using their five senses, drawing/sketching, painting, a picture of the object(s), writing a poem, listing describing words, creating a story, etc. The Wonder Box can…
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Wonder Walk
Participants take turns leading each other on a silent Wonder Walk to discover the natural world with their five senses. Recommended for all ages. Time: 30 minutes Common Core Standards for this activity (pdf): Download Common Core for grades K-2. Download Common Core for grades 3-5. Download Common Core for grades 6-8. Download Common Core…
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Local Treasures
Reawaken wonder about the natural world and teach students about the environment in which they live by sending them on a treasure hunt! Recommended for grades 3 and up. Time: 2 hours Common Core Standards for this activity (pdf): Download Common Core for grades 3-5. Download Common Core for grades 6-8. Download Common Core…
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Everything is Beautiful
Students use four of their senses to explore beauty in nature. Recommended for grades K-2. Time: 15-30 minutes Common Core Standards for this activity (pdf): Download Common Core for grades K-2. Find out how some of our other activities connect to Common Core Standards (pdf): IHE activities for Common Core for grades K-2….
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Council of All Beings
An activity to widen perspectives Participants “become” a being or part of nature and share the lives, concerns, hopes, and wisdom of their being in a Council. This activity widens perspectives, builds appreciation and compassion, and invites participants to consider their impact. Grades: Recommended for grades 4 and up Time: 1-2 hours Common Core Standards…
Read more » Why We Need Humane Education: Study Shows Children Don’t Get Outside Playtime
Research has repeatedly shown that we need regular exposure to the natural world. We’re happier and healthier when we’re connected to the natural world. Studies also show improved cognitive function and stress management and lower obesity levels in children who get time outside. But according to a recent study published in the Archives of Pediatrics…
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Paseo de Maravilla
Los participantes se turnan cada líder en un silencio pregunto a pie para descubrir el mundo natural con sus cinco sentidos. Recomendado para todas las edades Duración: 30 minutos
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Naturaleza Asombrosa
Esta actividad usa ejemplos verdaderos y hechos fascinantes para inspirar la curiosidad del mundo natural. Recomendado para grados 1-6. Duración: 30-60 minutos
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