Sharing Nature with Children from Udemy

"A magical tool to awaken children to the delights of nature." —The National Trust, England

You can create joyful nature experiences and heartfelt memories for you and your child. Learn simple, highly effective methods that have been used around the world for over 30 years.

Whether you live in the city, suburbs, or rural area, you will acquire the skills and confidence to share nature with your child in fun and engaging ways.

Suggested age range: While children and adults of all ages enjoy the Sharing Nature activities, this course is designed for parents/educators and their children ages 4 and up.

In this course you will:

Experience nature through 13 prize-winning games that uplift the mind and touch the heart
Learn how to enrich your child’s natural curiosity, empathy, and other important human qualities
Discover ways to foster greater respect for the earth

The games and methods featured in this course are from Joseph Cornell’s prize-winning book,Sharing Nature: Nature Awareness Activities for All Ages. Cornell is one of the most highly regarded nature educators in the world today. His books have been translated into twenty-nine languages and have been used by millions of parents, educators, and outdoor leaders. He is the honorary president of Sharing Nature Association of Japan, which has trained 40,000 leaders.

This course is for thoughtful parents and educators who want their children to learn directly from life itself through personal contact with nature. As you and your child experience nature’s joy and aliveness together, you’ll grow closer to nature and to one another.

Contents and Overview

This course includes 27 instructional videos, 13 nature activities, "Action Items", supplemental handouts, and quizzes. You will also receive the full-color PDF of Sharing Nature: Nature Awareness Activities for All Ages. Through clear, step-by-step guidance and explanatory stories, you will learn everything you need to stay safe and to begin to Share Nature with your child.

Each instructional video features an activity or nature awareness principle to enrich you and your child’s experience of the outdoors. An “Action Item” and short quiz is also added to enhance your understanding of the content. The activities and the video voiceover script are excerpted from Sharing Nature: Nature Awareness Activities for All Ages.

Parents all over the world have used these nature activities with great delight and effectiveness. Because they are easy to use and require little to no materials, your full attention can be focused on your child’s experience of nature.

After completing this course, you will have the confidence and skills to take your child outside and share with them the joy of nature.

What's inside

Learning objectives

13 of joseph cornell’s most popular and engaging nature activities
Pdf of "sharing nature®: nature awareness activities for all ages"
Clear, step-by-step guidance for how to share nature effectively with your child
Guidelines for keeping your child and yourself safe outdoors

How to plan your nature sessions to make the most of your time together
Techniques to foster in your child (and yourself) a love for the earth
Resources to further enhance your family’s relationship with nature
Bonus: nature activities just for you!

13 of joseph cornell’s most popular and engaging nature activities
Pdf of "sharing nature®: nature awareness activities for all ages"
Clear, step-by-step guidance for how to share nature effectively with your child
Guidelines for keeping your child and yourself safe outdoors
How to plan your nature sessions to make the most of your time together
Techniques to foster in your child (and yourself) a love for the earth
Resources to further enhance your family’s relationship with nature
Bonus: nature activities just for you!

Syllabus

You are Part of a Worldwide Movement

Course Introduction

This lecture explains how we would recommend you take this course.

Sharing Nature has been used around the world for over 35 years. In this lecture you will learn the ways in which it has grown and how people have creatively used its methods.

This lecture explains why nature activities are effective for developing a closer connection with nature.

How to Share Nature effectively

Keeping Safe and What You'll Need

Safety should always be your number one priority when going outside. In this lecture we give some ways that you and your child can keep safe while outdoors.

Keep your child and yourself safe outdoors

We share with you all of the materials you will need to play the activities in this course.

Adventure Backpack: What you'll need

Foster a Sense of Wonder

In this lecture we share the importance of providing captivating experiences with your child. It is when they are totally focused and absorbed that they can receive the most from nature.

Play is an incredible ally for educators who want their students to feel they are a part of nature. Young children know how to play, but as they get older their natural sense of wonder and joy for learning becomes lost. Through moments of profound play we can help children have thrilling experiences of the natural world.

Sharing captivating nature experienes with your children

Sound Map is a wonderful activity for listening to the various nature sounds all around you.

Sound Map

In Micro Hike you explore with your child the tiny world on the surface of the soil.

Micro Hike

Listening to Nature . . . and to your Child

Receptivity is one of the most important qualities to have as we share nature with our child.

Be receptive and aware

Sounds is a very simple activity you can do with your child even if you are inside with your window open.

Sounds

I can See helps children and adults become more mindfully immersed in their natural surroundings.

I can See

A Sense of Joy Should Permeate the Experience

Play is more important than you might think...

The benefits of absorbing play and calm observation

This lecture shares important tips that you should consider before dong any sort of blindfold activities with your child.

Tips for blindfold activities

In this activity children are taken on a sensory walk with blindfolds on.

Caterpillar Walk

Camera is one of the most powerful and loved of the Sharing Nature activities.

Camera

Make the Most of Your Time Together

In this lecture we share 5 easy steps for planning your nature session.

How to plan your nature session

A Sample Nature Awareness Session

Sequencing your nature activities in a purposeful way allows you to get the most out of your nature session with your child.

Joseph give an explanation of his teaching system, Flow Learning. Flow Learning is used by hundreds of institutions around the globe including the US National Park Service, Japan Ministry of Education, and the Swedish Farmers Association.

The value of sequencing nature activities

Noses is a guessing game where players learn interesting facts about animals.

Noses

Camouflage Trail is a wonderful activity for increasing children's observational skills while spotting hard to see, hidden objects

Camouflage Trail

"There is a tree that has been waiting to meet you since before you were born."

Meet a Tree

The Birds of the Air is a beautiful song and a wonderful way to end your nature session.

The Birds of the Air

Create a Sense of Belonging

Caring for the earth naturally develops in hearts that have been touched by nature's beauty.

Caring for the earth

Journey to the Heart of Nature gives us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a particular

natural spot–to listen to the land and enter fully into the lives of its inhabitants.

Journey to the Heart of Nature

How to Foster in your Child a Love for Nature

It is important that we exemplify the qualities we want our children to develop.

Your example is contagious

In this activity players walk in silence as they share nature's wonders.

Silent Sharing Walk

Take it Further

Resources to further enhance your family's relationship with nature

A Lake is Like the Mind - A Sky and Earth Touched Me Wellness activity by Joseph Cornell

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides methods to build a stronger connection with nature in children

Offers clear guidance and hands-on activities to enhance the experience

Encourages mindfulness and a sense of joy in nature

Promotes a sense of wonder and curiosity in children

Teaches ways to foster a respect for the environment

Suitable for parents and educators with children aged 4 and up

Reviews summary

Sharing nature with young children

Learners say they largely enjoy "Sharing Nature with Children" for its practical information. The course's engaging videos and dedicated instructor make it easy to follow and understand.

Course is well-structured and easy to navigate.

"Clear, instructive, straightforward!"

"very interesting, easy to follow, easy to understand."

"Easy to understand for beginners. Well-structured."

The instructor knows their stuff and is passionate about teaching.

"knowledgeable and easy to understand"

"Very informative and elaborate description of each and every module. "

"The instructor reached out to address some concerns I raised"

Videos are interesting and held my attention.

"It’s very engaging so far"

"i love this course"

"What I like the most is that the instructor goes directly into coding working apps."

Lots of useful tips for getting kids engaged with nature.

"very interesting and very well presented"

"very interesting, easy to follow, easy to understand."

"easy to understand and lots of examples"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sharing Nature with Children with these activities:

Nature Exploration

Show steps

Explore nature with the purpose of developing your nature awareness and observation skills .

Show steps

Go for a nature walk and focus on observing the different plants, animals, and natural features around you.
Take some time to sit quietly in nature and listen to the sounds of the environment.

Find a Nature Mentor

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Find a mentor who can guide you on your journey of nature awareness and education.

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Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they know of any nature enthusiasts or experts who would be willing to mentor you.
Attend nature events and workshops to meet other people who share your interests.

Nature Awareness Activities

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Read and reflect on the book's discussion of nature awareness activities to build your understanding of the course materials.

View Flow Learning: Opening Heart and Spirit Through... on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and first chapter.
Choose one of the activities described in the book and try it out with a child.

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Nature Journaling

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Practice your observation and journaling skills by keeping a nature journal.

Show steps

Go for a nature walk and observe the different plants, animals, and natural features around you.
Take some time to sit quietly in nature and write down your observations in a journal.

Nature Photography

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Learn the basics of nature photography to capture the beauty of the natural world.

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Find a tutorial on nature photography online or in a book.
Go for a nature walk and practice taking photos of the plants, animals, and natural features around you.

Plan a Nature Adventure

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Plan a nature adventure for yourself and your child to deepen your understanding of the concepts and skills taught in the course.

Browse courses on Outdoor Education

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Choose a nature destination that you and your child will enjoy.
Plan activities that will allow you to explore the natural environment and learn about the plants and animals that live there.
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a meal together in nature.

Attend a Nature Workshop

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Attend a workshop on nature awareness or outdoor education to learn from experts and gain practical experience.

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Find a workshop that interests you and fits your schedule.
Register for the workshop and attend all sessions.

Volunteer at a Nature Center

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Volunteer at a nature center to gain hands-on experience with nature and connect with others who share your passion.

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Find a nature center near you and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to volunteering for a specific number of hours each week or month.

Contribute to a Nature-Related Open Source Project

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Contribute your skills to a nature-related open source project to make a difference and learn from others.

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Find a nature-related open source project that interests you.
Get involved with the project by contributing code, documentation, or other resources.

Career center

Learners who complete Sharing Nature with Children will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Educator

As an Environmental Educator, you will educate individuals about environmental issues and solutions. Your work will foster environmental awareness, inspire stewardship, and promote positive behaviors towards our planet. This course helps build a foundation for your career by providing you with hands-on, engaging activities that can be used to teach nature awareness. These activities, excerpted from prize-winning books that have been translated around the globe, have been tested and proven to instill a love for the environment in people of all ages.

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Nature Guide

As a Nature Guide, you will lead guided tours through natural environments, providing visitors with educational and interpretive information about the surrounding flora and fauna. This course helps you develop the essential skills for this role by providing you with knowledge and activities that will help foster a love for nature in your clients. By experiencing these activities yourself, you will gain the skills to lead others through these activities and create unforgettable tour experiences.

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Park Ranger

As a Park Ranger, you will protect and preserve natural and cultural resources while providing educational and recreational opportunities for visitors. This course enhances your ability to perform these duties by providing you with methods for connecting people with nature. The activities you will learn can be incorporated into educational programs, interpretive signs, and outreach activities, helping you to foster a love for the environment in park visitors.

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Conservation Officer

As a Conservation Officer, you will enforce environmental laws and regulations, investigate environmental crimes, and educate the public about conservation issues. This course helps to prepare you for this role by enhancing your understanding of the natural world and your ability to communicate effectively about environmental issues. By incorporating nature awareness activities into your outreach and education efforts, you can effectively convey the importance of conservation to the public.

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Wildlife Biologist

As a Wildlife Biologist, you will study the biology, behavior, and conservation of wildlife populations. This course enriches your understanding of wildlife by providing you with engaging activities that foster a deeper connection with nature. By experiencing these activities, you will develop a better understanding of animal behavior and ecology, which will enhance your research and conservation efforts.

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Environmental Consultant

As an Environmental Consultant, you will provide expert advice and services to businesses and organizations on environmental issues. This course may be useful in this role by providing you with a better understanding of environmental principles and best practices. The activities you will learn can be used to assess environmental impacts, develop environmental management plans, and educate clients about sustainability.

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Science Teacher

As a Science Teacher, you will teach science concepts to students at the elementary, middle, or high school level. This course provides you with engaging activities that can be incorporated into your lessons, making science more hands-on and experiential for your students. By using these activities, you can foster a love for nature and science in your students, inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM fields.

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Landscape Architect

As a Landscape Architect, you will design and create outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and campuses. This course enhances your ability to design spaces that are both functional and environmentally friendly. The activities you will learn can be used to assess site conditions, develop design concepts, and educate clients about sustainable landscaping practices.

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Urban Planner

As an Urban Planner, you will develop plans for the development and use of land within urban areas. This course may be useful in this role by providing you with a better understanding of environmental issues and best practices. The activities you will learn can be used to assess environmental impacts, develop urban development plans, and educate stakeholders about sustainable urban planning.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

As an Environmental Policy Analyst, you will analyze environmental issues and develop policy recommendations to address them. This course may be useful in this role by providing you with a better understanding of environmental principles and best practices. The activities you will learn can be used to assess environmental impacts, develop environmental policies, and educate stakeholders about environmental issues.

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Sustainability Manager

As a Sustainability Manager, you will develop and implement sustainability programs for businesses and organizations. This course may be useful in this role by providing you with a better understanding of environmental principles and best practices. The activities you will learn can be used to assess environmental impacts, develop sustainability plans, and educate employees about sustainable practices.

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Environmental Journalist

As an Environmental Journalist, you will report on environmental issues and events. This course may be useful in this role by providing you with a better understanding of environmental principles and best practices. The activities you will learn can be used to gather information, develop story ideas, and educate the public about environmental issues.

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Environmental Advocate

As an Environmental Advocate, you will work to protect the environment and promote environmental policies. This course may be useful in this role by providing you with a better understanding of environmental issues and best practices. The activities you will learn can be used to educate the public, influence policy makers, and advocate for environmental protection.

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Environmental Activist

As an Environmental Activist, you will work to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote environmental protection. This course may be useful in this role by providing you with a better understanding of environmental principles and best practices. The activities you will learn can be used to educate the public, organize protests, and advocate for environmental action.

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