Grow Up Great
The natural world includes both living and nonliving things. The plants, animals, ground, rocks, air, water, and sky that are found outside are all parts of nature. Spending time exploring nature gives children opportunities to think and develop theories about nature. They begin to notice that living things depend on other living and nonliving things to live and grow.
Observation is a critical part of inquiry. Children are naturally curious and fascinated by living things. As children observe what is outside, they notice things about nature that they may not have noticed before. Taking the time to look and make observations about nature will help children develop an understanding and appreciation for nature.
The natural world includes both living and nonliving things. The plants, animals, ground, rocks, air, water, and sky that are found outside are all parts of nature. Spending time exploring nature gives children opportunities to think and develop theories about nature. They begin to notice that living things depend on other living and nonliving things to live and grow.
These lessons are aligned with the Common Core State Standards ("CCSS"). The CCSS provide a consistent, clear understanding of the concepts and skills children are expected to learn and guide teachers to provide their students with opportunities to gain these important skills and foundational knowledge.[2]
While we believe that the books and resources recommended may be of value to you, keep in mind that these are suggestions only and you must do your own due diligence to determine whether the materials are appropriate and suitable for your use. PNC has no sponsorship or endorsement agreement with the authors or publishers of the materials listed.
There are currently no Common Core Standards for pre-k, but these lessons are aligned as closely as possible to capture the requirements and meet the goals of Common Core Standards. However, these lessons were neither reviewed or approved by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices or the Council of Chief State School Officers, which together are the owners and developers of the Common Core State Standards.
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