Learning Outside Resources
Please be aware, the North Smithfield Public Library does not endorse any of the places listed below. They are just a list of resources that we found helpful in our own research of this topic.
Tinkergarten Blog
Tinkergarten is an outdoor learning company that brings families together in nature and encourages learning through play. Their blog contains wonderful advise and information on early learning, parenting and outdoor play to help families feel more comfortable with nature learning.
To view the blog, click the logo above. RI DEM
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's Great Outdoors Pursuit is a a summer long program design to encourage kids and their families to get out doors and be active. As well as to encourage the exploration of state parks and natural areas.
To find out more about this program, click the logo above. Free Forest School
Free Forest School is a global organization encourages children and their adult to explore free play in nature during their formidable years. Their blog contains information on the outdoor classroom movement, early childhood development all wrapped up in nature play. They also have an online community, Our Outdoors, designed to help you get your kids outdoors
To view theses please click the logo above. Childhood by Nature
Childhood by Nature is a site created by parents who are looking to get their kids away from screens and outside. It has a great activity find page, a wonderful blog and even learning opportunities for parents. To find out more click the logo above.
1,000 Hours Outside
The purpose of 1,000 hours outside is to match outside play hours with hours spent onscreen. Filled with ideas, books and trackers all designed to help you get outside. Check out the blog for ideas to get outside.
To find out more click the logo above. |
PLT: Activities for Families
Project Learning Tree is an initiative of the Sustainable Forest Initiative, design to increase student awareness of the environment and conservation.
To view the Free Activities for Families, click the logo above. Letterboxing:
RI State Parks This fun treasuring hunt activity can be found nationwide, and the state parks of RI have just joined in the fun. All you need is a notebook and a family stamp (any stamp your family likes will do). This is a great outdoor activity to do with the whole family and a great way to explore the wonderful parks in RI.
To find out more about this program, click the logo above. To find out more about letterboxing, click here. Did you know the library is a letterboxing location? Just ask the youth services librarian. Audubon at Home
Nature Play and Learning right at home direct from the RI Audubon. Weekly themes include activities, information sites, virtual stories, videos, games and so much more.
To find out more just click the logo above. Mongabay Kids
Mongabay Kids is a site dedicated as a space for kids, parents and educators to connect with nature and conservation. To find out more and visit the site click the logo above.
|
RI Environmental Education Association
RI Environmental Education Association is a network of professionals and organizations committed to the introduction and enhancement of environmental literacy.
To find out more about them, click the logo above. Nature Sharing
This website is dedicated to "helping people of all ages deepen their relationship with nature." Their mission is "a worldwide movement dedicated to helping children and adults deepen their relationship with nature." To find some of their activities and for more information click the image above.
National Wildlife Federation: Green Hour
An initiative by the national wildlife federation to rediscover nature. It encourages families and kids to spend time outside to rediscover the our beautiful world and the wonders of wildlife.
To find out more, click the logo above. ExploreRI
Explore RI's blueways and greenways. Whether you wish to paddle the many waterways of RI or walk the many trails across the state this is the site to visit to plan your getaway. To find out more and visit the site click the logo above.
To learn more about RI Walks visit the ExploreRI website or visit the RI Walks website here. At RI Walks you can also discover more about the RI Walks Challenge to find the 30 nature inspired creatures housed on trails across RI. |
Questions?
Why explore outside? Why create a program like this? Really the best answer is why not? Kids love the outdoors, they're so curious about so much and why should we waste that. Our world changes so fast and sometimes we loose so much that holding on to that enthusiasm and curiosity is just so important. And I've seen the time spent outdoors make grownups more curious and more enthusiastic too. But if you'd like a bit more scientific answer PBS explains it best in this document, just click here. If you have specific or more questions visit the library website for contact information