The Power of Nature-Based Learning in Language Arts Curriculum

Abstract

Rarely are English language arts (ELA) educators actively encouraging outdoor exploration in the learning process. Yet, ELA skills (writing, reading, researching, and communication) can be used to communicate elements of environmental literacy for the 21st century learner in Virginia (VA) and beyond. This can be done in alignment with VA's standards of learning (SOL) through nature-based learning (NBL), which encourages thinking beyond science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Including ELA skills and strategies, historically not the focal point of environmental education (EE) initiatives, encourages outdoor exploration in 6-12 secondary ELA curriculum development. Educators, nature centers, parents, and community leaders can all be stakeholders in communicating elements of environmental literacy through NBL-ELA instruction. Therefore, this chapter promotes NBL as a sound option for improved teaching and learning when creating and implementing interdisciplinary curriculum. It provides research-based tools, strategies, tips, and resources useful for various ELA stakeholders.