Resources
Social & Emotional Development
Time in nature provides rich opportunities for children to develop emotional awareness, empathy, and strong social skills. Through collaborative play, shared challenges, and quiet moments of reflection, children practice communication, self-regulation, problem-solving, and caring for others. This section offers resources that support healthy emotional growth and positive relationships in outdoor learning environments.
Scientific Study about Neurodevelopmental benefits of nature play ↗
Boundaries
Clear and consistent boundaries help children feel safe and supported. In a nature-based setting, boundaries are taught through relationships, trust, and shared expectations rather than rigid rules. We call these shared expectations ‘Safety Agreements’. These resources explore how children learn to respect nature, themselves, and others—developing responsibility and awareness of limits in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.
Risky Play
Risky play allows children to test their abilities, make decisions, and build confidence in their own judgment. When supported by attentive and loving adults, challenge becomes a powerful teacher. This section shares research and perspectives on why age-appropriate risk is essential for physical development, resilience, and independence—and how it is intentionally supported in nature-based programs.
Paper & Study about the developmental benefits of engaging in risky play ↗
Weather
Weather is an integral part of outdoor learning, not a barrier to it. By experiencing changing conditions—rain, wind, cold, and warmth—children develop adaptability, resilience, and a deeper connection to the natural world. These resources help families understand how we prepare for outdoor learning in all seasons and why time outside, year-round, supports both health and learning.
Fire
Fire is a powerful and meaningful element that invites calm focus, patience, and respect. When introduced thoughtfully, it teaches responsibility, self-control, and awareness. This section includes resources that explain how children safely learn about fire in a supervised setting, building foundational skills while developing a deep respect for its power and purpose.
Article that aligns with our own philosophy from another program ↗
Study concluding use of fire can be done safely in outdoor preschool settings ↗
Water
Water naturally invites exploration, creativity, and sensory learning. From puddles and streams to rain and ice, children learn through hands-on experience and exposure while developing respect for natural forces. These resources address water safety, supervision, and the learning opportunities water provides in outdoor environments.
Screen Time
Nature-based programs prioritize direct, hands-on experiences over digital ones. By limiting screen time, children have space to engage their senses, move their bodies, and connect deeply with people and place. There are many well documented effects of media on children including hyperactivity, short attention spans, emotional dysregulation, and an inability to complete tasks. The imagination provides a foundation for learning and growth. Unstructured, child led play is vital for proper development. Children need to be exercising their minds and bodies for this development to occur as well. When sitting in front of a screen, the child is not exercising their body, nor brain as the images and stories are created for them. Ultimately, it is each parent’s responsibility to determine what they feel is appropriate for their child. Fern & Feather does, however, strongly recommend that there is no media use or screen time for preschool and Kindergarten age children at all. At the very least, avoid screen time or media use of any kind prior to coming to Fern & Feather, or any school/program. This section offers resources that explore the benefits of limited screen exposure and the importance of uninterrupted, imaginative play in supporting healthy development.