Sophia L. 
 Student, M. Ed

Description and Justification:

I have chosen to create a digital curation platform called "Nature's Classroom: Developing Outdoors” to serve as a resource hub for outdoor and forest school education. This platform will be dedicated to students engaged in outdoor learning, their caregivers and professional colleagues. It aims to provide comprehensive support for nature-based education while aligning with relevant educational standards.
 

Target Age Group: Preschool 
 

Standards for Alignment:

For content alignment, I will primarily focus on aligning with nature-based and experiential learning standards. While there might not be traditional academic standards, I will draw from principles of outdoor education, environmental stewardship and holistic child development. The focus areas will include Environmental Awareness, Outdoor Exploration, Sensory Learning and Connection to Nature.
 

Curation Collection:
 

1. Child Audience: In the "Child Audience" section of Nature's Classroom, I will curate resources and activities that encourage outdoor exploration and learning. Each section will be tailored to specific age groups within the preschool age range, providing opportunities for hands-on experiences in nature. Written commentary will accompany each resource to guide caregivers and educators on how to facilitate outdoor learning effectively.
    

2. Caregiver Audience: The "Caregiver Audience" section will feature content designed for parents and caregivers of children engaged in outdoor education. This content will include information on the benefits of nature-based learning, tips for facilitating outdoor experiences and resources for connecting children with the natural world. Written commentary will accompany resources to offer insights into supporting children's development through outdoor education.
    

3. Professional Colleagues Audience: The "Professional Colleagues Audience" section will provide resources and guidance for educators and professionals involved in outdoor and forest school education. This section will include lesson plans, nature-based teaching strategies, safety guidelines and opportunities for collaboration in the field of outdoor education. Written commentary will accompany these resources, sharing instructions or best practices for nature-based teaching and learning.
    

Nature's Classroom seeks to be an informative and inspiring platform, tailored to the needs of students, caregivers and educators involved in forest school. By creating this digital curation platform, I aim to enhance the outdoor learning experience and provide valuable resources for individuals passionate about fostering a deep connection between children and nature.