In this episode of the Mindful Turtle, Rachel encourages listeners to slow down and observe nature in order to better connect with the natural world and deepen their practice as educators. She invites listeners to write down five observations about nature, such as changes in plants, animals, fungi, and weather. This simple action step of observing nature helps educators to plan activities and materials that align with children's interests and connect them to the natural world, supporting children's play and emergent curriculum. Taking time to notice and write down observations of nature also allows educators to reconnect with their own personal joy and wonder in the natural world.

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About Dr. Rachel A. Larimore

Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, consultant, and former nature-based preschool director. Her work focuses on the intentional integration of nature to support young children’s holistic development by learning with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. She has written multiple books including Establishing a Nature-Based Preschool, Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood Education and Nature-Based Learning, Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-based Classrooms in Pre-k Through 3rd Grade, and Reimagining the Role of Teachers in Nature-based Learning: Helping Children be Curious, Confident, and Caring. Rachel is the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning. Prior to founding Samara, she spent more than a decade starting and directing one of the first nature-based preschools in the United States.

About Samara Early Learning

Samara Early Learning helps educators create nature-based schools or add the nature-based approach to existing programs. With our support on the business or teaching side of operations, educators help young children learn with nature to expand their worlds and live rich, full lives. Services include books, in-person and on-demand workshops,The Grove professional learning community, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!

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