Classrooms to Communities Educator Resources

This second edition of Natural Curiosity supports a stronger basic awareness of Indigenous perspectives and their importance to environmental education. The driving motivation for a second edition was the burning need, in the wake of strong and unequivocal recommendations by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to situate Indigenous perspectives into the heart of Canadian educational settings and curricula, most notably in connection with environmental issues. Printed on 100% recycled paper.

"The text is an excellent balance of theoretical perspectives illustrated with practical examples from a range of classrooms. I particularly enjoyed drawing on the actual transcripts from teachers and students as they engaged in knowledge building discourse and explored students’ questions. The content also complements education transformation that is occurring in British Columbia right now." - Professor, Vancouver Island University

285 pages

Ethical Elements: Printed on post-consumer recycled paper. This resource is offered in partnership with Natural Curiosity, an initiative to develop and disseminate an inquiry approach to environmental learning, reaching public school educators and making a difference in school communities across Turtle Island. Read more about our ethical policies & practices.

The Inside Scoop: We first became aware of Natural Curiosity's work at the NAAEE conference in Ottawa in 2014. Since then we've worked closely with their team to offer a variety of workshops and training opportunities for educators.

• English
• French

The Big Book of Nature Activities is a comprehensive guide for parents and educators to help youth of all ages explore, appreciate and connect with the natural world. This rich, fully illustrated compendium features:

• Nature-based skills and activities such as species identification, photography, journaling and the judicious use of digital technology
• Ideas, games and activities grounded in what's happening in nature each season
• Core concepts that promote environmental literacy, such as climate change and the mechanisms and wonder of evolution, explained using a child-friendly, engaging approach
• Lists of key species and happenings to observe throughout the year across most of North America.

Perfect for families, educators, and youth leaders, The Big Book of Nature Activities is packed with crafts, stories, information and inspiration to make outdoor learning fun!

Pages 311

Through academic research, practical examples, and step-by-step strategies drawn from classrooms, celebrated author David Sobel celebrates teachers who emphasize the connection of school, community, and environment. Place-Based Education uses the local community and environment as the starting place for curriculum learning, strengthening community bonds, appreciation for the natural world, and a commitment to citizen engagement.

David Sobel is a Professor Emeritus in the Education Department at Antioch University New England in Keene, NH and he consults and speaks widely on child development and place-based education with schools, environmental organizations and the National Park Service. He has authored eight books and more than 70 articles focused on children and nature for educators, parents, environmentalists and school administrators in the last 30 years.

“Literally a landmark book, Sobel’s book belongs in the hands of every teacher in this country as a practical and inspiring guide to combining field and classroom in educating students. He offers a wealth of practical experience as well as documentation of how students and communities profit from place-based education. Parents and educators of all kinds will cherish Sobel’s work.”
—Ann Zwinger, teacher & author of The Nearsighted Naturalist and Downcanyon"

147 pages

Read about out ethical policies and practices.

The Inside Scoop: Ever since we hosted David on a series of in-person workshops, we were hooked! Before adding this resource to our store, we tested it with hundreds of educators with rave reviews. His philosophy, approach and ideas are deserving of his world renowned reputation.

To help educators tackle this essential but challenging topic with K-8 students, this new book includes 20 age-appropriate activities that can be undertaken at home, in school classrooms, outdoor spaces and in the community.  Within the 80 pages of this large format paperback, you will find many useful pathways to guide young people towards an understanding of this complex topic. Its detailed, practical activities are designed to enhance climate literacy and to increase understanding of renewable energy, sustainable transportation and technologies, and the many ways that individuals and communities can reduce their carbon footprint.

The collection includes activities that introduce basic concepts of climate literacy, such as energy forms, urban heat islands, and the difference between weather and climate.  Walking school buses, green commuting challenges and public transit investigations are a few of the transport-related activities.  Building model solar cars and solar cookers and studying passive solar house design are a few of the energy-oriented activities included in the book.

Rather than overwhelm young people with the daunting challenges facing humanity, the book’s focus is to help them to appreciate the many solutions that individuals, organizations and governments are already implementing to mitigate climate change. The overall goal of the book is to introduce basic concepts and to help cultivate a sense of wonder about the natural world.

74 pages

Ethical Elements: Printed on 1oo% post-consumer recycled paper, and offered in partnership with Green Teacher - a non-profit organization dedicated to helping educators, both inside and outside of schools, promote environmental awareness among young people aged 6-19. Read more about our ethical policies & practices.

The Inside Scoop: We have a long and strong relationship with Green Teacher, dating back to working with Tim Grant when he was editor, and now with Ian Shanahan as the current editor. Providing resources like this one that are ‘by educators for educators’ was a no-brainer – it is wonderful to be able to share stories from the field!

Evoking Wonder and Developing a Sense of Place 
The English version of Gillians much loved book.

A Walking Curriculum provides easy-to-use, child-centred and developmentally appropriate activities that make outdoor learning – regardless of whether you’re surrounded by trees or concrete – memorable, meaningful and fun. Printed with ink that is chlorine-free and the acid-free interior paper is Forest Stewardship Council certified.

"Fabulous resource to get your kids outside for more than just “a walk” but a walk with purpose and relevance! Great read for educators wanting to embrace outdoor education." - School District 47 Principal

Accompanying (Free) Resource: Walking Forward: Indigenous Perspectives in Learning from Place

Accompanying Resource: Playing in the Muck and Other Art Activities: Imaginative Art Activities for The Walking Curriculum

The Inside Scoop: Gillian has been such a fantastic & enthusiastic person to work with! She conveys her ideas succinctly with clarity, and we were thrilled to be able to work with her on piloting our first ‘Earthy Chat’s podcast! (see below)

• English
• French
• Spanish