Resources


Reviewers in this issue: Ellen Bees, Patricia Darby, Tim Grant, Phyllis McKenzie, Deb Roe, Becky Tzagadouras, Stacey Widenhofer, Veronica Uzielli, Tiina Vilu


Mission Sea Turtle


Rescue I’ve been a fan of National Geo- graphic Kids’ books for a while now and Mission Sea Turtle Rescue


does not disappoint. In the introductory pages, Karen Romano Young teaches children about the life and rescue of a sea turtle named Ace. Each chapter of the book contains an excellent mix of stories, fact files, rescue activities and challenges. The book is filled with bold colorful photographs that will appeal to children in the grade three to six target audience. The descrip- tions are fascinating and detailed. With the help of National Geographic Explorer, Daniel Raven-Ellison, the author does not shy away from dif- ficult terms. This book highlights sea turtle conservation efforts throughout the world and shows the diversity of people working to save these amaz- ing animals. The resource page at the end of the book provides a platform to help students dive deeper into their sea turtle saving mission. Best of all is the call to action and the variety of tips showing children how they can participate in these efforts. – (DR)


National Geographic Society, 2015, ISBN 978-1-4263-1893-1 (pb), 112 pp., US $12.99 from (800) 647-5463, ngchildrensbooks.org


Forest Kindergartens Forest Kindergartens: The Cedarsong Way describes the first U.S. Forest Kindergarten based on the German Waldkindergarten model. Through detailed description, Erin K. Kenny explains the evolution of Cedarsong from a small camp-like program to a full-fledged forest kindergarten. While many resources show and tell what children are doing in a forest preschool, this book also illustrates the


role and activities of forest kinder- garten educators. The Cedarsong educational program “uses interest-led flow learning which results in an emer- gent curriculum.” Inquiry learn-


ing and place-based learning are key elements of the program. The author, who co-created Cedarsong, portrays her own transformation over time, “from feeling like I had to provide the preschoolers with coordinated activi- ties to gradually taking away more and more indoor props.” Along with an overview of the forest kindergarten model for early childhood education, this resource delves into the curricu- lum, while also sharing spontaneous and guided activities for preschoolers. This book will be valuable to all pre- school educators who are involved in nature preschools and especially forest kindergartens. – (PM)


Cedarsong Nature School, 2013, ISBN 978-0-615-84920-1 (pb), 111 pp., US $20.00, from <www.cedarsongnature- school.org>


Imagine


Childhood In this amazing age of technol- ogy, sometimes we need a reminder to slow down and remember what


it was like to be a kid. Looking for a way to refresh your memory? Take a look at the book Imagine Childhood: Exploring the World through Nature, Imagination, and Play. Sarah Olm- stead gives the reader a gentle remind- er through short narration and descrip- tive photos of fun, easy activities that anyone can participate in. She encour- ages curiosity and investigation with wonderful and beautifully described activities. It becomes easy for you, the reader, to get the little ones in your care started. With complete directions, patterns and templates for each activ- ity, the adventure is easy to begin! The


GREEN TEACHER 109


25 included activities are arranged in three simple yet encompassing cat- egories: nature, imagination and play. There are activities for all age groups in this book, from something as simple as making a cape or kite to something a little more advanced like making a flip book or a Rube Goldberg device. As an added bonus most of the items you need can be found in your existing supplies or with a quick trip to your lo- cal craft store. – (SW)


Roost Books, 2012, ISBN 978-1-59030- 970-4 (pb), 220 pp., US $19.95, from www. roostbooks.com


Connecting


the Dots Connecting the Dots provides a systems perspec- tive of education and learning. A framework is the best way to de- scribe this text.


The authors, Stan Kozak and Susan Elliot, provide an outline for trans- formative educational practices “that engage students as active citizens in supporting environmental, social and economic sustainability.” Subtitled, Key Strategies that Transform Learn- ing, the book provides an outline and seven strategies to prepare students to meet the challenges of an ever chang- ing world. Strategies include: Learning Locally, Integrated Learning, Acting on Learning, Real-World Connections, Considering Alternative Perspectives, Inquiry, and Sharing Responsibility for Learning with Students. A vari- ety of brief case study abstracts will empower the reader and trigger educa- tors to use their own experience to create programs that cross disciplines, encourage critical thinking skills, and “reflect the complexity of life”. Connecting the Dots is a stream-lined resource that can help teachers of all ages create engaged life-long learn- ers who use critical thinking skills and understand that learning happens within and outside the school environ- ment. – (PM)


Learning for a Sustainable Future, 2014, ISBN 978-0-9937510-0-4 (pb), 107 pp., US $24.95, from <www.lsf-lst.ca>


Page 43


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52