Last week, I posted my Ten for Ten book list featuring my top ten books for inspiring and supporting Outdoor Learning. You can read that post HERE. The response was overwhelming, as many teachers are looking for different ways to support their students this fall during Covid times. I discovered so many amazing books connected to this, I decided to continue “the love” in a second post.
Here are ten more (I can’t count very well!) recommended books for inspiring and supporting your Outdoor Learning lessons, including indigenous stories and professional resources.
A Walk in the Forest – Maria Dek
I love being in the forest. It fills my soul. This book really makes me want to go into the forest, feel the forest dirt under my feet and the forest air in my lungs. So simple, yet so evocative. A beautiful book.
Step Gently Out – Helen Frost
Step outside, take some time to be still and just watch the world. Get down low to the ground or close to some plants, and you’re sure to see tiny animals going about their business. This book beautifully captures the wonder we experience when we notice the beauty of nature. A perfect read-aloud before taking a nature walk with your class.
The Golden Glow– Benjamin Flow
This quiet, beautiful story, originally published in French, is about a botany-loving fox on a mission to find a rare golden glow flower. Along his trek, he passes through many trees, mountains, flowers and friends. When he finally reaches the rare golden glow flower, he realizes that it needs to stay where it is. Instead of picking it, he carefully draws it in his journal instead, so he can remember it. Lots of great messages and topics to “infer” and discuss in this one!
A Bug Girl: A True Story – Sophia Spencer and Margaret McNamura
At a very young age, Sophia Spencer develops a deep passion for bugs. Despite the bullying she receives, with the help of her mother, she finds “her people” – hundreds of women scientists rallied around her through encouraging letters. This is an inspiring true story celebrating women in science, bugs of all kinds, and the importance of staying true to yourself.
Picture a Sky – Barbara Reid
In Barbara Reid signature clay illustrations, this book is a perfect anchor for transforming our understanding and thinking about the ever-changing sky. Great for cloud watching, imagining, and art.
Tiny, Perfect Things -M. H. Clark
Such a beautiful book intended to help young readers become aware of the wonders around them every day. A child and grandfather’s walk around the neighborhood leads to a day of shared wonder as they discover all sorts of tiny, perfect things together. Rhythmic storytelling and detailed illustrations.
Just in Case You Want to Fly – Julie Fogliano
Let’s take a trip! Delightful rhyming text and collage pictures depicting the important things to take with you on a trip. Ends with a map with an “x” so readers can find their way home. Lovely rhyming text. I would use this for inspiring students to make their own map and list for things to take on their trip.
Please Take Me For A Walk – Susan Gal
A simple and endearing story of a 4 legged friend who just wants to go for a walk! Read this like YOU are the dog begging and telling why you want to go on the walk. Your students will love it! Great for persuasive writing and story mapping.
Windows – Julia Denos
Lovely picture book of a child exploring his little world and many other worlds, all beautifully framed in a window. Gentle celebration of neighborhoods, diversity, stories, imagination, and home.
The Things That I Love About Trees – Chris Butterworth
I love trees. I love changing seasons. This book has both. I love this book. It’s a simple look at trees throughout the seasons of one year. Connection to The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown.
A Walk on the Shoreline – Rebecca Hainnu
A follow up toA Walk on the Tundra, this book is full of interesting facts about the Canadian Arctic, and in particular, the rich plants and animals the Inuit gather and hunt during the short Arctic summer months. Both books would be excellent companion books for your study of Inuit culture, land, and traditions. Recommended for older readers due to the longer text.
Lessons From Mother Earth – Elaine McCleod
Tess visits her grandmother and learns about the earth, how it has sustained her and her family, as well as how to pick just the right amount of berries and plants. Lovely story celebrating nature and learning about how the indigenous people respect and care for the earth.
I Help – Caitlin Dale Nickolson
A young boy follows his grandmother, walking, listening, picking, praying, eating, just as she does. Simple text full of rich cultural traditions and values of his Cree heritage. Written in both English and Cree. Beautiful large book with gorgeous illustrations.
PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES
Messy Maths: A Playful Outdoor Approach – Juliet Robertson
I have seem lots of mentions on this book on social media sites so it’s definitely one teachers are using. The author’s first book, “Dirty Teaching” (below) was first published in in 2014 and was extremely popular in the UK, where she is from.
Dirty Teaching – A Beginner’s Guide to Learning Outdoors – Juliet Robertson
This is a very helpful and practical resource for teachers just new to outdoor learning – full of tips and tricks “to help any primary school teacher kick-start or further develop their outdoor practice.”
The Big Book of Nature Activities: A Year-Round Guide to Outdoor Learning – Drew Monkman
An excellent holistic nature adventure and education book. Whether you are new to nature exploration, a teacher, a parent, a young person, or a seasoned explorer, this book has something for you. It hits on the basics and further with introductions and tips and tricks to general exploration and then the seasonal activities — which include information and considerations, so more than just go outside and play activities.
The Outdoor Classroom In Practice – Karen Constable
Inspiring, practical resource to help teachers make the most of the outdoors all year round. Gorgeous colored photos and a month-to-month guide that explores theme-related play experiences.
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have found one or two books that caught your eye!
Have a wonderful week and enjoy the last weeks of summer!