Environmental Kinship

Close-up of a moth on a branch with a blurred background.

The Environmental Kinship Guide is LIVE!

A holistic approach to teaching and learning about, in, with and for the whole of the natural world.

About the Environmental Kinship Guide

Kinship is based on the understanding that everything in the natural world is interrelated and that humans are a part of this as cohabiters.

Practical
Every day, pragmatic examples for educators and administrators alike through overarching nature-based pedagogy
Inclusive
Intentional practices from a variety of places, cultures, population densities, and communities
Community
Creating an international dialog on fostering environmental kinship in the early years.

Child holding a small object in the forest

Learning ABOUT Nature

The Study of the natural world.

Inquiry
Study
Initiative

Learning IN Nature

The affordances provided in nature.

Accessibility
Exploration
Engagement
Agency

Two children playing by a lake with rocks and water.

Learning WITH Nature

Forming kinship with the natural world.

Relationship
Participation
Connection
Spirituality

Children playing with leaves on a wooden deck.

Learning FOR Nature

Recognising the role of reciprocity in humans' connection with the rest of nature.

Guardianship
Responsibility
Sustainability

About the Authors

The Environmental Kinship Guide has been created by a collective called Environmental Kinship International.

Heather Fox, MLS
Director of Outreach at the Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, USA
heatherkfox@gmail.com
Megan Gessler, M.Ed
Little Trees Program Supervisor for The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL, USA
gesslermegan@gmail.com
Amanda Higgins, M.Ed
Professional Learning and Development Trainer at Storypark in New Zealand
amanda.higgins@xtra.co.nz
Dr. Anne Meade
PhD (Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University of Wellington), researcher, author, policy developer; and Co-Founder and Pedagogical Leader at Daisies Early Education & Care Centre, Wellington, New Zealand.
annemeade8@gmail.com
Dr. Claire Warden
Founder of Living Classrooms and the International Association of Nature Pedagogy (IANP), CEO of Claire Warden Ltd., and Founder and Academic Advisor to the Mindstretchers Academy
claire@claire-warden.com
Sheila Williams Ridge, MA.
Co-Director of the Child Development Laboratory School and early childhood course instructor at the University of Minnesota and Hamline University.
swilliamsridge@gmail.com

Thanks To Our Contributors

We are grateful to all those who supported the creation of the Environmental Kinship Guide, including:

Dr. Ruth Wilson advisor and mentor
Lara Warden for creating our graphic
Anna Dutke, for assisting with our graphics and vision
Little Trees Early Learning Program, Natural Beginnings Early Learning Program, Daisies Early Learning, Amanda Higgins, Auchlone Nature Kindergarten and Sheila Williams Ridge for providing photos for the website
Indigenous People’s Action Group for their support and feedback
Nature Action Collaborative for Children for their support and feedback

Download the Guide

Please fill in the details below to receive both the full guide and an outline. We will also keep you updated with the latest developments on environmental kinship.

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