Family Resources: Nurturing Growth Through Nature

We believe families are partners in learning. We've created this resource hub to deepen your understanding of nature-based education and provide you with tools to extend your child’s learning beyond our forest and into your daily lives. All clickable links are underlined.

🌿 Why Nature-Based Learning?

• Builds Resilience & Confidence
  According to Chawla (2015), children who spend regular time in nature demonstrate greater self-confidence, resilience, and independence. Engaging with unpredictable outdoor environments fosters problem-solving, risk assessment, and perseverance—critical life skills that emerge through hands-on exploration.
  
  

• Improves Academic & Life Skills
  According to the Children & Nature Network, outdoor learning enhances executive function, language development, and social skills. Even 20 minutes in nature can significantly boost mood and focus.
  
  

🌻 For Curious Families: Articles & Resources

• Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature – Child Mind Institute
  A parent-friendly explanation of the mental and emotional benefits of regular time outdoors.
  
  

• Benefits of Outdoor Play – Connections Academy
  Discusses how outdoor family time enhances social-emotional health.
  
  

• Equity and Anti-Bias Education – NAEYC & Derman-Sparks (2015)
  Learn how schools like ours work to reflect diversity, inclusion, and social justice in curriculum and culture.
  
  

• Learning Outside – Children & Nature Network
  Explores how unstructured nature time enhances academic and social outcomes.
  
  

🍂 Try This at Home: Nature-Inspired Activities

• Nature Scavenger Hunt
  Try this printable scavenger hunt board to explore your backyard, neighborhood, or local trail.

See also: Make this Book Wild  by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield 

• Mud Kitchen Magic
  Let your child lead open-ended play with water, soil, and kitchen tools. The mess is part of the learning!
  
  

• Seasonal Walks & Journaling
  Keep a notebook for drawings, pressed leaves, and seasonal observations-connecting literacy and nature.
  
  

• Storytelling in the Forest
  Share your favorite outdoor memories and let your child invent magical forest tales inspired by your adventures.
  
  

📚 Books & Further Reading

• Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

• Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela J. Hanscom

• There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Åkeson McGurk 

• How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature by Scott D. Sampson 

• A Little Bit of Dirt: 55+ Science and Art Activities to Reconnect Children with Nature by Asia Citro 

• Play the Forest School Way: Woodland Games and Crafts for Adventurous Kids by Jane Worroll and Peter Houghton 

• The Wild Year Book by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield 
  
  
  

🤝 Supporting All Families

At Roots to Wrens, we believe every child deserves access to meaningful outdoor learning, regardless of income, ability, or background. Visit our Enrollment Page to learn about sliding scale tuition and scholarship options. If you have specific needs or questions, we are here to support you.

Let’s raise resilient, joyful, and curious children—rooted in nature and thriving in community.

“Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls.” – Erin Kenny