Support “Literacy in Nature” Outdoor Learning Curriculum

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The Literacy in Nature Curriculum, written by Kassia O'Reilly, is a comprehensive outdoor literacy curriculum designed to engage young learners in a nature-based setting. Spanning across four seasons, it intertwines key literacy skills—such as letter recognition, storytelling, phonics, and sequencing. Children are introduced to a variety of creative nature activities, age appropriate books and word-study lessons that deepen their understanding of core literacy concepts, while exploring nature. By fostering a love for reading and nature simultaneously, the program provides a unique, holistic educational experience.

DONATE & RECEIVE

Donate $50: Receive the Full Finished Digital Curriculum in September 2025.
Donate $100: Receive the Full Finish Digital & Print Curriculum in September 2025.
Donate $250: Receive the Full Finish Digital & Print Curriculum in September 2025, and weekly real-time online access to Literacy in Nature Learning as we develop the curriculum.
Donate $500: Receive the Full Finish Digital & Print Curriculum in September 2025, weekly real-time online access to Literacy in Nature Learning as we develop the curriculum, and print copies of the Literacy in Nature Field Guides for Children.
Donation $1,000: Receive the Full Finish Digital & Print Curriculum in September 2025, weekly real-time online access to Literacy in Nature Learning as we develop the curriculum, Literacy in Nature Field Guides for Children, and personal (or business) recognition in the Literacy in Nature Curriculum Supporter Page in both digital and print editions.

LITERACY IN NATURE OVERVIEW

Duration: 52 weeks, spanning across four seasons

The Classroom: Outdoor, nature-based environment, designed to immerse children in both literacy and nature

CORE LITERACY SKILLS

Letter Recognition: Weekly activities that introduce and reinforce letter shapes and sounds using natural elements like leaves, rocks, and twigs
Storytelling: Children create and retell stories inspired by their surroundings, encouraging imagination and narrative skills
Phonics: Lessons on letter-sound correspondence, blending, and segmenting words, using nature-themed word lists
Sequencing: Activities that focus on arranging events or objects in logical order (e.g., seasonal changes, life cycles of plants and animals)
Word Study: Nature-inspired word exploration, with a focus on sight words, compound words, and early vocabulary building

CREATIVE NATURE ACTIVITIES: Each week, children will have the opportunity for creative nature activities like nature journaling, arts & crafts, reading outdoors, and observation and exploring.

BOOK INTEGRATION: Age-appropriate books that connect with nature, seasonal changes, and animal, encouraging both reading comprehension and a love for the environment

BENEFITS:

Holistic Learning: Children develop literacy skills in a way that feels organic and connected to the world around them.
Increased Engagement: Outdoor learning promotes focus, curiosity, and excitement about reading.
Physical Movement: Incorporates physical activity (e.g., letter scavenger hunts) that enhance both cognitive and motor skills.
Emotional Well-being: Nature-based learning encourages relaxation, creativity, and a sense of belonging to the environment.
Language Development: Rich vocabulary growth through nature exploration and storytelling.