International Day of Play is a time to celebrate the power of play. It’s a time to raise awareness about how central play is to every child’s development and well-being. And it’s a time when we can come together to make sure that every child is able to fulfil their right to play. 

International Mud Day is an exciting date not only to play and have fun with mud but to raise awareness about cleanliness and access to sanitation in different parts of the world! International Mud Day strives to bring children from all over the world together through the ground by allowing them to play in the mud. Children and early childhood professionals all over the world celebrate International Mud Day by getting really muddy and observing nature, the outdoors, and mess.

Gain ideas to celebrate Mud Day at your program here. And remember, you can play and learn with mud all year long!

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, your story can help inspire others to step outside and connect with nearby nature. Your responses may be used in Discover the Forest materials (with your permission). Everyone who answers the survey will be entered to win a free conference registration for the Nature-Based Early Learning Conference and a conference t-shirt.

Last year, Susan and Elizabeth published a paper on playgrounds in the IPA USA’s 50th Anniversary White Paper. Learn more about this White Paper and how you can use it as an advocacy tool in this episode of DEY Dialogues, where Denisha talks with Deb Lawrence, President of the International Play Association USA Chapter, about the release of the white paper and policy briefs.

In this enlightening episode, Sandra Duncan and Clare Nugent dive deep into the world of children's learning styles within the outdoor classroom. They explore the various roles that children naturally gravitate toward during outdoor play and learning, and how these roles can be encouraged and nurtured by educators and caregivers.

There is something so special about a stone. They are unique treasures that kids love to collect, play with, and display. They are also inviting learning tools. Here are four ways to use story stones in the traditional, homeschool, or outdoor classroom setting. Check out the bottom of the post to see the easy way we make our story stones!

Natural Learning Initiative's newest project, The Nature Playscape at Conestee Nature Preserve (CNP) in Greenville, SC, opened in April. This engaging, natural space offers a bounded space dedicated to childhood freedom to explore, discover, play in, and learn about nature - and above all, have fun with family and friends. Designed through a collaborative process, the 0.8-acre space reflects CNP goals of conservation and the strengthening of human connections to nature.

All children have the right to access quality education and the right to play, yet far too often children with disabilities are excluded from recreational activities and families are denied access to enriching programs like nature-based preschool.

Free, expert-led early childhood education webinars offering practical strategies and inspiring insights. Serving over 3 million early education professionals, join to learn and receive certificates.

Join us live online as we discuss how well-designed natural outdoor classrooms help you support children’s healthy physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development. In this lively, interactive session, you’ll learn to apply research-based principles to your space, materials, activities, and connections with children in schools, early childhood settings, and public spaces. 

Free, expert-led early childhood education webinars offering practical strategies and inspiring insights. Serving over 3 million early education professionals, join to learn and receive certificates.

All kids love playing with water. Whether it's jumping in a puddle or playing at the water table, it's always a big hit.

The Nature-Based Early Learning Conference brings professionals together to explore and promote nature-based learning for young children. Attendees include teachers, program administrators, higher education faculty, researchers, education consultants, landscape designers, and others who are committed to or interested in bringing nature, outdoor learning, and environmental education to young children’s education. The program focuses on nature-based education for preschoolers (ages 3-5), early elementary students (ages 5-8), and infants and toddlers (ages 0-3). Professionals, parents, and caregivers who are just learning about a nature-based approach to education, or may be interested in starting a nature-based early education program, are welcome.