Want to explore the benefits of bringing learning and play outdoors? Ready to learn how outdoor design elements can make kids healthier, happier, and smarter? 

As a Pathfinder you'll gain access to research articles, resources, training opportunities, videos, and inspiring examples to illustrate the benefits of creating dynamic outdoor learning spaces. 

LEARN the ropes with our free and low-cost resources for each step for success! 

Want to unlock more resources? Become a PATHFINDER today! 

Info Sheets

Texas Tech Coalition for Natural Learning 12 Best Practice Indicators 

• The 12 best practice indicators for a Model Outdoor Learning Environment help teachers assess the quality of their outdoor space, focusing on key environmental qualities that support children's health, well-being, and development through active play and gardening activities.

Colorful Examples of Best Practice Indicators  

• Posters of simple and beautiful spaces that illustrate each of the 12 best practice indicators for quality outdoor learning spaces. 

Benefits of Getting Children Outdoors 

• This Info sheet discusses some of the benefits of engaging children with nature and presents examples of simple ways to naturalize outdoor learning environments in childcare centers and schools.

Professional Development Opportunities 

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Outdoor & Nature Play Childcare Training Courses

• Multiple free and low cost virtual courses on nature learning topics. 

Outdoor Play and Learning: A Texas Healthy Building Blocks Training ($10) 

• This online course helps early childhood professionals create effective outdoor learning environments by applying science-based best practices to promote health, development, and educational opportunities, aligned with the Texas Healthy Building Blocks program and supported by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Nature Play for Tiny Texans

• This course will teach Master Gardener/Master Naturalist volunteers and nursery/landscape professionals how working with early childhood programs differs from working with elementary schools, key elements of quality early childhood outdoor learning environments, and how to work with early childhood educators.

Videos 

TED Talk: Designing playgrounds for happier, healthier kids

• In this talk Sarah Konradi shares her thoughts and vision in reimagining children's playgrounds and play spaces. Sarah is a landscape architect working at the intersection of design, conservation, and health for the National Wildlife Federation's Early Childhood Health Outdoors ECHO program. Sarah works with underserved communities to re-envision outdoor spaces used by children and families, creating playgrounds that support child development and connection to the natural world. 

TED Talk: What nature teaches children

• Nilda Cosco - Children spend most of their waking hours in child care every day where they can play outdoors and learn from nature.  In her talk, Cosco explains the importance of being outdoors as it releases the power of experiential learning and etches lifelong memories of nature. Nilda Cosco, PhD, is Research Associate Professor, College of Design, and Director of Programs at the Natural Learning Initiative, North Carolina State University. With a background on the psychology of the learning processes and the impact of the built environment on behavior, she shares her experience observing children’s adventures in nature and highlights the power of the outdoors to support child development.

Organizations and Initiatives that Support Outdoor Learning 

LiiNK Center for Healthy Play 

• The LiiNK Center for Healthy Play was created to help schools and communities nationwide implement quality outdoor play and foster character development in children, resulting in improved mental and physical health across diverse student populations, with support through teacher and administrator training, leadership development, and policy adjustments to create a more cohesive learning environment for all children.