Handling animals can be a nuanced topic in nature-based early childhood education. It's essential that as a team educators what is and isn't okay when it comes to handling animals in nautre-based programs. Whether it's insects, frogs, worms, or other creatures it's important to be clear on how we keep children and animals safe during these interactions. 

David Sobel’s article titled "Look, Don't Touch"

Benefit-Risk Assessment Template

Join us for the upcoming Wander, Wonder, Wait: The Power of Time in Nature-Based Teaching & Learning webinar on October 16, 2025.

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 membership, and much more. Visit www.SamaraEL.com to learn more!

Discover the next steps on your nature-based journey! Take the 90-second quiz & receive your custom Toolkit for implementing nature-based early childhood education.