Taking Learning Outside: How to Overcome Barriers and Embrace Nature-Based Early Childhood Education

How can I incorporate nature-based learning with children birth to age 8—especially if my school is in an urban setting?

Taking Learning Outside provides a practical, research-based framework for early childhood educators to overcome logistical barriers and successfully extend teaching into the natural world. This book demonstrates that regardless of a school's location, resources, or space, every program can enhance its existing curriculum through the power of nature-based early education.

While the benefits of outdoor education are well documented, many teachers face significant hurdles, such as administrator concerns, lack of gear, or personal discomfort with the outdoors. Author Rina Zampieron, a seasoned naturalist and educator, addresses these challenges directly. Instead of simply "adding on" extra activities, she shows how to weave nature into the core of your teaching using the five Habits of Mind—focus, making connections, communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

Co-published with Mass Audubon, the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England, this work combines academic rigor with hands-on, classroom-tested strategies.

Key Features:

• Overcomes Common Barriers: Offers practical solutions for logistics, safety issues, and common "can't go outside" concerns.
• Adaptable to Any Setting: Designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural schools, as well as Montessori, public, or home childcare models.
• Habits of Mind Framework: Focuses on building children's learning and life skills, such as communication and problem-solving, rather than just topic-based lessons.
• Expert Guidance: Leverages the professional development expertise of Mass Audubon to empower educators across all subject areas.
• Practical Tools: Includes clear examples, curriculum-building content, and troubleshooting tools for teachers and administrators.

• Publication date: 23 October 2026
• Page count: 192
• Dimensions: Height 254 mm; Width 178 mm
• Publisher: Teachers' College Press
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN-13: 9780807784402