Outdoor Play & Learning Project Resources
Numerous studies have found that time spent learning and playing in nature can boost mental acuity, attention span & creativity; reduce obesity & depression; and promote health & wellness. Multiple studies over the past 25 years have also found that frequent childhood play and exploration in natural spaces is the most common influence on the development of life-long conservation values and behaviors. Visit the Bay Backpack Outdoor Play & Learning Projects page to learn how to incorporate engaging features into creative outdoor spaces to improve student health and reconnect children with nature. Want to learn more? Check out additional resources below!
Links to Sections
- Nature Play & Learning Spaces: Helpful Websites
- Nature Play & Learning Books & Guides
- Nature Play & Learning Articles
Nature Play & Learning Spaces: Helpful Websites
American Forest Kindergarten Association
Boston Schoolyard Initiative: Schoolyard Design Guide
Earthplay: 5 Nearly Free Do-it-Yourself Nature Play Projects
Affordable Settings & Elements: Cost Effective Ideas (NLI)
Natural Learning Initiative: Design Info-Sheets
Natural Learning Initiative: Green Desk
Natural Learning Initiatives: Resources
Top 10 Activity Settings: Natural Learning Initiative
Natural Playgrounds: Links to Natural Play Resources
Nature Explore: Learning with Nature Resources
Nature Play Spaces Online Pattern Book: Project Green Classrooms
Play Outside! Database of outdoor play and learning resources
Resources List: Green Hearts, Inc.
Science of Nature-Based Learning Collaborative Research Network (NAAEE)
Also See:
AHS National Children and Youth Garden Symposium
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Nature Play & Learning Books & Guides
Beyond Ecophobia: Reclaiming the Heart in Nature Education by David Sobel
Childhood and Nature: Design Principles for Educators by David Sobel
Designing Outdoor Environments for Children by Lolly Tai
How to Raise A Wild Child by Scott D. Sampson
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
Natural Playscapes: Creating Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul by Rusty Keeler
Nature Play & Learning Places: National Guidelines by Robin Moore & Alan Cooper
Seasons of Play: Natural Environments of Wonder by Rusty Keeler
The Great Outdoors: Advocating for Natural Spaces for Young Children by Mary Rivkin
The Magic of Children’s Gardens: Inspiring Through Creative Design by Lolly Tai
Plants for Play by Robin Moore
Play for All Guidelines: Planning, Designing and Management of Outdoor Play Settings for All Children by Robin Moore
Nature Play & Learning Articles
Myopia: The Evidence for Environmental Factors
Rising anxiety & depression in children and adolescents related to declining childhood play
The decline of play in preschoolers and the rise in sensory issues
Children Now Spend Less Time Outside than the Average Prisoner