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
June 10, 2023
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Wickiup Hill Learning Center
10260 Morris Hill Rd
Toddville IA, 52341
This workshop leads you out the door and provides hands on activities and resource materials to help you lead your own nature explorations. Growing Up WILD activities use age appropriate practices and concepts to build on children’s sense of wonder and invites them to explore nature and the world around them. Specially written for children 3-7, activities include sections to address many learning areas: math, science, language, literacy, health living, play, and creativity.
Dress for the weather. Light snack provided.
Cost: $15
Register Online. Registration Deadline: June 2, 2023
For more information, contact Danielle Day at daday@iastate.edu or 641-229-6563.
Dec. 16, 2023
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50319
This workshop leads you out the door and provides hands on activities and resource materials to help you lead your own nature explorations. Growing Up WILD activities use age appropriate practices and concepts to build on children’s sense of wonder and invites them to explore nature and the world around them. Specially written for children 3-7, activities include sections to address many learning areas: math, science, language, literacy, health living, play, and creativity.
Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather. Hands-on learning experiences will take place indoors and outdoors.
Cost: $15
Register Online. Registration Deadline: Dec. 4, 2023
For more information, contact Malisa Rader at mrader@iastate.edu or 515-708-0622.