Growing Up WILD builds on children's sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Provide an early foundation for your students with this collection of activities written by educators and wildlife professionals and reviewed by early childhood education experts.
Activities have been correlated to national standards for early childhood education – NAEYC Criteria for Curriculum, Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and the NAAEE Early Childhood Environmental Education Guidelines for Excellence. Additional correlations have been drafted to Iowa Early Childhood program and curriculum standards – Quality Preschool Program Standards, Iowa Early Learning Standards, and the Iowa Core Curriculum.
Growing Up WILD received the 2009 Family Choice Award and the 2011 Renewable Natural Resource Foundation Excellence in Journalism Award.
Iowa State University Extension provides Growing Up WILD training for early childhood professionals that include continuing education credits through the Iowa Department of Public Health. Visit the ISU Extension GUW Training site to find a class.
Correlations to Iowa Standards Alignment to Iowa Early Learning Standards Alignment to Iowa Learning Standards Alignment to Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards Alignment to Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards
Upcoming Workshops and Training Opportunities
Growing Up WILD: Reconnecting Children with Nature ONLINE
March 9, 2023
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Online zia Zoom
Lead children out the door for your own nature explorations! This workshop provides hands- on activities and resources to build on a child’s sense of wonder. Early learning activities use age-appropriate practices and concepts with a focus on math, science, language, literacy, health living, play, and creativity.
Training is provided at-a-distance. Participants are required to complete pre-workshop activities online and attend the three-hour live workshop via Zoom.
Cost: $15, includes the Growing Up WILD Activity Guide
Register online: Iowa Child Care Provider Training Registry
For more information, contact Sandra McKinnon at 712-355-2067 or sandram@iastate.edu.
Reconnecting Children with Nature: Growing Up WILD Early Childhood Training
May 6, 2023
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Waubonsie State Park - Washawtee Lodge, 2585 Waubonsie Road, Hamburg, IA 51640
Lead children out the door for your own nature explorations! This workshop provides hands-on activities and resources to build on a child’s sense of wonder. Early learning activities use age-appropriate practices and concepts with a focus on math, science, language, literacy, health living, play, and creativity.
Held rain or shine. Dress for the weather - we sill be going outside.
Cost: $20, includes the Growing Up WILD Activity Guide. Partial funding by Corner Counties ECI
Register online: Iowa Child Care Provider Training Registry
For more information, contact Sandra McKinnon at 712-355-2067 or sandram@iastate.edu.