The Shape of Things
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In these experiences, children will search for the shapes and colors that define both our natural and built environments.
This is one of 11 activities that can be found in PLT’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood guide. To get the activity, attend a training either in person or online and receive PLT’s Early Childhood guide.
My Forest is Green
Follow along a curious young boy who explores the urban forest near his home and describes the shapes, textures, and colors of the plants and animals that live there and encourages young children to observe and appreciate the nature around them.
Flashlight
Flashlight Grades PreK to Grade 2 ISBN-10: 1452118949 Chronicle Books, 2014 Recommended Reading What happens when a little boy leaves the comfort and security of his tent to explore the unfamiliar and unpredictable environment that surrounds his camp… in the dark? Armed with only his flashlight, the main character of this book takes readers... Read more »
Autumnblings
Autumnblings Ages 4-8. ISBN: 0060092785 Published by Greenwillow Books, 2003 Authored by Douglas Florian Recommended Reading What do you like about Autumn? Flying kites? Apple picking? Trick or treat? Frisbee flicking? This children’s book explores the colors, events, and emotions that the fall season brings, and it serves as a special treat for those... Read more »
EE Resources
Tangram Puzzle
Tangram Puzzle (pdf) – Math and manipulatives
Leaf Shapes
Leaf Shapes (pdf) – Use these leaf outlines with the “Dance with leaves” group experience. If you are unable to collect real leaf examples from your home or schoolyard, consider using these colorful photographed alternatives.
Flat Smokey
This printable cutout of Smokey Bear, courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, can be colored, shared on social media, and sent through the mail to help teach kids about preventing wildfires. Created in 1944, the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history. Learn the Story of Smokey,... Read more »
Photo Stuff With Ruff
Based on the PBS animated digital series The Ruff Ruffman Show, this app helps students discover the “stuff ” their world is made of. The Photo Stuff with Ruff app can be used in the classroom as part of lessons exploring materials science. In this camera-based experience, students will learn about science by exploring their surroundings and... Read more »
Cut-out Shapes
Use this labeled shape template for a triangle, circle, oval, diamond, star, rectangle, and square to make shape necklaces or bracelets.
Variation on the Art Experience
Try this variation on the Art experience, Make Binoculars. It uses small plastic bottles instead of cardboard tubes to make sturdy binoculars that reinforce the idea of reuse.
Nature’s Alphabet
Where is A? Where is Z? Under a rock? In a tree? Go outside and see. Invite children to use this pictorial guide to discover the alphabet in nature.
Find Nearby Trails and Parks
AllTrails is a free app that helps users discover the outdoors. Use it to find a hiking path suitable for children, to search for local places to bike or fish, or to plan a national park visit.
Early Childhood Education
Are you looking for information on the field of childhood education? All Education Schools offers a clearinghouse of resources to explore professional organizations, licensing and credentials, teaching strategies, research, and more – all related to early childhood.
ASL Kids
ASL Kids is an app that can be downloaded on Apple or Android devices. This app introduces users to the world of communication by sign language. ASL Kids also has a YouTube channel with over 200 videos teaching words and phrases in sign language.
Make Twig Shapes
Make Twig Shapes (pdf) – Math and manipulatives
Epic! For Educators
Are you looking for new literature connections to support your favorite PLT lessons? This growing Epic! online library offers thousands of picture books, chapter books, early readers, and even nonfiction books (think Common Core Connections!) that elementary teachers can access free of cost. Registered users receive unlimited access to books and customized recommendations for readers’... Read more »
Nature Maestro® App Series
With Nature Maestro®, sound recordist and composer Dennis Hysom is your guide. Use this series of applications to explore sounds in nature. You might compose a soundscape for the rainforest, build a nature scene using audio paired with imagery, and discover fun facts about animals all along the way. Immerse yourself in these biomes to... Read more »
Tree Product Images
Print out pages containing many examples of everyday products from trees!
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Three Cheers for Trees
In this activity, children explore the many products and benefits that trees provide.
Community Explorers
In this activity, children explore how their community—and the trees within it—provide things people need.
Home Tweet Home
In this activity, children discover how plants and animals depend on trees.
Parts to Play
In this activity, children make a tree costume and explore the parts of a tree.