Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood

Project Learning Tree’s award-winning early childhood materials help you bring nature into the classroom and safely take your young learners outdoors, whether you live in an urban, suburban, or rural community.

Developed in conjunction with preschool educators and early childhood specialists, PLT’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood guide is specifically designed for educators who work with children ages 3 to 6.

• The activities help teach reading, writing, science, math, and motor skills to young learners.
• The activities meet early childhood learning standards. They are correlated to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards and Head Start Child Outcomes Framework.
• The activities received a Teachers’ Choice Award for their exceptional quality and outstanding performance in the classroom.

Activity Guide

The 116-page guide is available as a print guide or downloadable PDF. It includes:

• Over 130 experiences that engage young children in outdoor exploration and play
• Ideas for creating 6 different Learning Centers in your classroom

Activities and topics include:

• Exploring Nature with Five Senses
• Meeting Neighborhood Trees
• Experiencing Trees Through the Seasons.

Songs from children’s musician Billy B. Brennan accompany some of the activities and are designed to encourage children to sing, dance, and move.

• Downloadable music files (MP3 format) are made available with any purchase

An accompanying music CD is included with the purchase of a print guide

Testimonials

Here’s what a few teachers have said about PLT’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood activity guide:

“What a perfect way to engage our young learners – through song, dance, exploration, and play! Project Learning Tree’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood is a valuable resource for every early childhood environment.” – Michele Bitters, Preschool Coordinator, Loudoun County, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services

“This guide is a perfect way to infuse the early childhood curriculum with environmental educational learning opportunities! It helps the youngest of learners interact with nature and the world around them through approaches that are developmentally appropriate – and fun!” – Dr. Courtney Crim, Assistant Professor, The University of Texas at San Antonio

Here’s what a few teachers have said about PLT’s the Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood online professional development course:

“Well presented, well organized, clear and easy to follow with lots of wonderful ideas and opportunities!”

“The online course is very helpful. I learned different activities and ideas to implement activities in all areas of development and bring nature in to the class. The worksheets along with the book and the other resources are very helpful. I definitely will recommend the online workshop to other colleagues and friends.” – Perla Manquero Perez, Early Childhood Educator, Colorado

“PLT gave me many ideas for how to make learning fun and engaging for young children and showed me the importance of outdoor play as well as how to bring outdoor play indoors.”

“This was a great way to receive the training. I was able to complete it at my own pace. The activities also helped me to engage with the materials and have action steps for my classroom.” – Jennifer Snodgrass, Early Childhood Educator, District of Columbia

PLT Professional Development

Did you know? PLT’s 50-state network offers educators both in-person and blended professional development that is planned and conducted by locally trained facilitators and customized for specific grade levels, topics, outcomes, and teaching situations. Find training.

Online Professional Development Course

• 5 courses (each a 20–30-minute learning experience)
• Simulations and videos that model PLT’s Early Childhood activities
• Exercises and worksheets to help you plan and facilitate Group Experiences with your early learners
• Tips to maximize young children’s use of the Learning Centers

The online course can be completed in your own time, wherever you are, as long as you have internet access. The complete course is approximately 3 hours.

Continuing education credits and state-specific supplemental resources are offered in some states. For more information, contact your State PLT Coordinator.

Awards

PLT’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood guide received a Teachers’ Choice Award for the Classroom from Learning® Magazine.

Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood provides a structured alignment to the following early childhood accreditation programs:

• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• Head Start Child Outcomes Framework
• North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Early Childhood Environmental Education Guidelines for Excellence

Login to download supporting materials such as appendices and teaching tips.