NAEYC

Nature-Based Early Childhood Education

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Monica Wiedel-Lubinski

About the Book

Natural surroundings and materials create rich sensory experiences for children to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether you are creating a new nature-based program or want to increase nature-based learning at an existing school, this book provides you with the tools and knowledge to grow!
 
Inside you’ll find
 
  • A discussion of what nature-based education is, how it started, and how nature-based early childhood education (NBECE) benefits the health and development of young children
  • Examples of how NBECE is applied in early learning programs across the United States, along with beautiful photos from nature-based programs
  • An overview of the expectations and requirements of nature-based educators and programs
  • Suggestions for educators on how to build nature-connection and embrace all that nature affords

Table of Contents

  • About the Author
  • Dedication
  • Acknowledgments
  • Foreword | David Sobel
  • Introduction
  • Chapter 1: Nature-Based Learning and Early Childhood Education
  • Chapter 2: Child Development and the Benefits of Nature-Based Learning
  • Chapter 3: Nature-Based Learning and Play
  • Chapter 4: Growing Strong Nature-Based Educators
  • Chapter 5: Visioning and Managing a Nature-Based Program
  • Appendix: Getting to Know You
  • Index

Chapter 5 Appendix

Visioning and Managing a Nature-Based Program Planning Tool (online only)

References

References (online only)

Book Details

Product Code: 1160
ISBN: 978-1-952331-01-5
Publish Date: 2025
Citation (in Chicago 18th ed. style):
Wiedel-Lubinski, M. 2025. Nature-Based Early Childhood Education. NAEYC.

Related Resources

Audience: Administrator (director or principal), Teacher
Age: Early Primary, Kindergarten, Preschool
Topics: Other Topics, Play, Outdoor
Monica Wiedel-Lubinski
Monica Wiedel-Lubinski began her career at Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills, Maryland where she founded Maryland’s second licensed, NAEYC-accredited nature preschool. She directed a broad range of nature-based programs for children, families, and teachers spanning her 19-year tenure there. She received the Margaret O’Neil Award in 2017 in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments in nature-based education. Recognizing the need for nature-based teacher training and professional networks, Monica founded the Association for Nature-Based Education in 2016 with support from colleagues across the region. She has founded/co-founded three nature-based preschool programs in the greater Baltimore, MD area including the forest preschool at Carrie Murray Nature Center in Baltimore and Notchcliff Nature Programs in Glen Arm, MD. She consults to help countless others breathe life into new nature-based programs and schools. As co-chair of the Outdoor Preschool Licensing Advisory Team, Monica spearheads a group of stakeholders in Maryland advocating for more equitable, inclusive access to nature-based learning. 
 
Monica Wiedel-Lubinski

Reviews

Discover the rewards of teaching and learning outdoors with this engaging and practical guide. Rooted in research and filled with hands-on tools, this beautifully illustrated book provides educators with a solid foundation, actionable ideas, and vivid photos that highlight the lasting impact of nature-based early childhood education.
—Larry Prochner, Professor of Early Childhood Education, University of Alberta
 
As an early childhood educator, ECE faculty member, and nature play researcher, I’ve long championed the profound benefits of connecting young children with the natural world. Monica Wiedel-Lubinski's book is a true game changer. It doesn't just broadly categorize nature-based early childhood education, it thoughtfully and clearly defines it as its own vital educational philosophy, distinct from general environmental education. She beautifully connects research-backed benefits with practical ways to implement seasonal curricula, both indoors and out, and genuinely encourages educators to rediscover their own sense of natural wonder. The way she incorporates emergent curriculum, call-to-action prompts, and vivid vignettes makes this an absolutely essential read for any early learning professional eager to deepen their practice and bring truly joyful, authentic learning experiences to children. This is precisely the book our field has been waiting for. 
—Becky DelVecchio, Lead Teacher, Wellesley College Child Study Center, Wellesley College
 
Nature-Based Early Childhood Education provides a comprehensive and authoritative overview of how to enrich the lives of young children through nature-based learning. The focus on both stewardship and kinship is exactly what’s needed today. 
—Ruth Wilson, Professor Emerita, Bowling Green State University; Author, Naturally Inclusive: Including Children of All Abilities Outdoors
 
This is an indispensable book for anyone who wants to start a nature preschool or teach in one. Its discussion of foundational principles reflects the author’s deep experience. It is filled with practical examples—and beautiful photographs—that show how to bring these principles to life. 
—Louise Chawla, Professor Emerita, Program in Environmental Design, University of Colorado Boulder
 
Nature-Based Early Childhood Education isn’t just a book—it’s a wake-up call. Packed with real stories, practical tools, and hard-earned wisdom, it challenges educators to rethink everything they thought they knew about early learning. Flip through for field-tested strategies and a fresh framework that puts nature where it belongs—at the center. Use it, mark it up, and get outside!"
—Angela Hanscom, Author, Balanced and Barefoot; Founder, TimberNook Sensational Experiences
Buy the Print Book
Cover foe Nature-Based Early Childhood Education book
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