Early Learning Images Project
This pilot documentary project, Foundations, is composed of 23 images and dialogues that look specifically at children's learning in the outdoors. This is significant because research shows that children need connections with the natural world for healthy growth and development. Therefore, it is important to provide educators and parents with a context and models for thinking about children's learning outside.
Wendy Banning and Ginny Sullivan, consultants in education and design, supported by funds from NCaeyc, explore here how early learning standards apply to the activities and experiences of children working and playing in natural environments. This initial series of images and their accompanying dialogues provide a window into the world of children's thinking. The narratives illustrate the meaningful learning that happens when adults provide time, space, and diverse materials for children to explore together outside.
The eventual goal of the project is to create a comprehensive Early Learning Image Gallery by adding to this initial pilot all areas of children's learning and development. Pending funding, the full image gallery will be available for teacher training and parent education to help promote meaningful outdoor learning experiences for children.
This pilot can be viewed on the following websites:
www.learn-outside.com
www.ncaeyc.org
www.learningbytheyard.com
View / download a 48 page PDF of this project* (3MB)
(Click to open the PDF or right-click + save-as to download it.)
*Adobe Acrobat 6 or higher is required. Free download here.
Wendy Banning, Educational Consultant
919.942.7773
wendy@learn-outside.com
www.learn-outside.com
