All Outdoor Content

Young girl smiling
Three children sitting on a rock in the woods
Article
Young Children
November 1, 2018

Big Questions in the Great Outdoors

Mr. Joe has set the stage for ongoing learning opportunities by creating a weekly routine that focuses on the children’s in-depth study of Todd, the adopted oak tree.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Sue Mankiw, Janis Strasser, Lisa Mufson Bresson
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Children looking through magnetic glass in a field
Article
Young Children
November 1, 2018

A World of Learning

This article will help early childhood educators embed in their instructional plans outdoor learning opportunities that support the whole child. The accompanying examples are based on the authors’ experiences earlier in their careers.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Alicia W. Deaver, Lindsay E. Wright
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Child looking out window with binoculars
Article
Young Children
November 1, 2018

Capturing Nature’s Beauty through Multiple Lenses

It began with just the spark of an idea—to construct an outdoor classroom—and ultimately led to using photography as an instructional anchor to explore and capture nature’s beauty, and beyond.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Karen Capraro, Lorraine Downes, John Diego Arango
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Child's abstract artwork
Article
Young Children
November 1, 2018

A Natural Choice: Learning Outdoors

Whether you are in a large city or rural community, these articles are filled with ways to help children experience the wonders of nature.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Lisa Hansel
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YC November 2018 Issue Cover
Issue
Young Children
Vol. 73, No. 5
November 1, 2018

November 2018

A Natural Choice: Learning Outdoors
YC November 2018 Issue
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Children playing in mud
Article
Teaching Young Children
April 1, 2018

Preschool Play Plans: Mud-Luscious Play

This is the second article in Preschool Play Plans, a TYC series. These are ideas for open-ended indoor and outdoor activities that use inexpensive or free materials—bubbles, mud, chalk, playdough, and cardboard boxes.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Blakely Bundy, ​Diane E. Levin, members of TRUCE
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Two children playing outside
Article
Teaching Young Children
April 1, 2019

Message in a Backpack™: Going Beyond the Playground: Math, Science, and Outdoor Fun رسالة في حقيبة الظهر™ - ما بعد الملعب: الرياضيات والعلم والمرح في الخارج

NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Rachel J. Franz
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Toddler in a swing
Blog
February 21, 2017

11 Reasons to Take the Kids Outside

When the kids are sad or too loud or when fights break out, taking the kids outside seems to fix everything, especially if running water, sand or soil is involved.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Julia Luckenbill
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Children blowing bubbles in field
Article
Teaching Young Children
February 1, 2018

Message in a Backpack™ Bubbles: Family Play Plan

Support your child’s learning with bubble play! Watch your child play to see what interests him. It’ll also help you figure out what questions to ask to expand his learning.
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Children blowing bubbles in field
Article
Teaching Young Children
February 1, 2018

Mensaje en la mochila: Receta de burbujas

Este mensaje es para recortarse, fotocopiarse y enviarse a casa con los niños como recurso para los padres. Está disponible también por internet en NAEYC.org/tyc.
Members Only
Four children playing on tire swing
Article
Teaching Young Children
February 1, 2018

Swings!

Back and forth, back and forth—the swings on our school playground are always in use. But did you know that swinging is much more than just fun? There are many benefits that make swinging an important childhood activity.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Condie Ward
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Mud - Explore and Learn

Mud: Explore and Learn

June 29th is International Mud Day but you can play and learn with mud all year long!
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family outdoors

Explore the Great Outdoors with Your Child

For a child, everything is new—even the tiniest things are interesting and exciting. In today’s entertainment-driven world, exploring the outdoors is an opportunity for children to actively engage in learning. Here are a few steps to explore outdoors.
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