Growing through the seasons: How outdoor learning supports Minnesota’s youngest learners

As fall settles across Minnesota, the changing seasons bring new opportunities for young children to learn, explore, and grow. Outdoor early childhood programs across the state are embracing these moments through Minnesota’s Nature-Based Learning Guides, which helps providers create enriching, nature-based environments for children year-round.

Early care and education programs throughout the state use outdoor experiences daily to support healthy development. Early care and education providers say that when children notice the shifting colors, falling leaves, and cooler air, they’re doing more than observing nature. They are practicing early science skills, building emotional awareness, and deepening their connection to the world around them. Seasonal change, they say, creates a rich learning environment that supports the whole child.

These free Nature-Based Learning Guides, made in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education, are helping more early learning providers with these hands-on experiences. These guides expand access to high-quality outdoor learning environments where children can explore, solve problems, and build confidence in natural settings.

Providers interested in bringing these guides and other resources to their programs can learn more at Outdoor and Nature-Based Learning | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.