“A wealth of ideas for adults to engage children and themselves in the wonders of the natural world with suggested activities for all seasons.”―Robert Bateman, artist and author of Life Sketches: A Memoir The Big Book of Nature Activities is a comprehensive guide for parents and educators to help youth of all ages explore, appreciate, and connect with the natural world. This rich, fully illustrated compendium is packed with crafts, stories, information, and inspiration to make outdoor learning fun! The Big Book of Nature Activities features: Nature-based skills and activities such as species identification, photography, journaling, and the judicious use of digital technology - Ideas, games, and activities grounded in what’s happening in nature each season - Core concepts that promote environmental literacy, such as climate change and the mechanisms and wonder of evolution, explained using a child-friendly, engaging approach - Lists of key species and happenings to observe throughout the year across most of North America AWARDS GOLD
2016 Nautilus Book Awards: Animals & Nature - GOLD
2016 Nautilus Book Awards: Middle Grades - Nonfiction - FINALIST
2016 Foreword INDIES: Nature From the beginning of time we have been connected to nature, but for the first time in history, that connection threatens to be broken by the most of an entire generation and perhaps generations to come. When children play in nature - climb trees, build forts and dams in creeks and go exploring - here is what happens: they have less obesity, less likelihood of developing attention deficit disorder, lower rates of depression and suicide, less alcohol and drug abuse, less bullying, plus, they get higher marks. This book provides a wealth of ideas for adults to engage children and themselves in the wonders of the natural world with suggested activities for all seasons. Nature is magic. And nature is free. ---Robert Bateman, March 2016 These are the understandings humans have passed down over hundreds of generations; now we need to make a conscious effort to insure our kids can understand and enjoy the gorgeous world around them. ---Bill McKibben, author Long Distance Today's children are growing up indoors. A lack of nearby access to nature, transportation, school budget cuts, and competing priorities are among the barriers that have left an entire generation inside. The Big Book of Nature Activities will be a great resource to all of us who work with children. As a former environmental educator, I know how it feels to see a child light up inside after a first nature experience. As I embark on a new phase of life, motherhood, I look forward to using activities in this book to help me share my love for the outdoors with my son. ---Jackie Ostfeld, Nearby Nature Director, Sierra Club This is an indispensable resource book for parents, teachers, youth leaders, outdoor educators and anyone else interested in introducing young people to the wonders of nature. It is clear from the authors' enthusiasm that they not only want children to learn more about the natural environment, but to fall in love with it. They are clear that the best way for this to happen is for children to enjoy the company of a supportive, interested adult. This book will help you to be that adult. --- Paul Elliott, Professor of Education, Trent University, Ontario "From the beginning of time we have been connected to nature, but for the first time in history, that connection threatens to be broken for most of an entire generation and perhaps generations to come. When children play in nature ― climb trees, build forts and dams in creeks and go exploring ― here is what happens: they have less obesity, less likelihood of developing attention deficit disorder, lower rates of depression and suicide, less alcohol and drug abuse, less bullying, plus, they get higher marks. This book provides a wealth of ideas for adults to engage children and themselves in the wonders of the natural world with suggested activities for all seasons. Nature is magic. And nature is free." ― Robert Bateman, artist and naturalist "These are the understandings humans have passed down over hundreds of generations; now we need to make a conscious effort to insure our kids can understand and enjoy the gorgeous world around them." ― Bill McKibben, author, Long Distance and Eaarth "Today's children are growing up indoors. A lack of nearby access to nature, transportation, school budget cuts, and competing priorities are among the barriers that have left an entire generation inside. The Big Book of Nature Activities will be a great resource to all of us who work with children. As a former environmental educator, I know how it feels to see a child light up inside after a first nature experience. As I embark on a new phase of life, motherhood, I look forward to using activities in this book to help me share my love for the outdoors with my son." ― Jackie Ostfeld, Nearby Nature Director,