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Welcome to Growing Green Curriculum, your partner in fostering a love for nature and sustainability in young learners. Whether you're an educator, parent, or community leader, our resources are designed to help you cultivate curiosity, wonder, and environmental stewardship from the ground up.

Your Journey Starts Here! 

We’re so glad you’re here! At Growing Green, we’re honored to walk alongside you as you inspire young children to connect with and care for the natural world. Whether you're a preschool educator, homeschooling parent, children’s ministry leader, or a dedicated caregiver, this page is your starting point, full of guidance, inspiration, and tools to help you begin with clarity and confidence.

​​Our Progression Approach to Nature-Based + Sustainability Learning

At Growing Green Curriculum, we believe sustainability is a journey, not a checklist. That's why our learning materials are organized into progressions, not tiers. Each level builds on the one before, supporting deeper connection, expanded understanding, and confident action in nature-based and sustainability education. This approach reflects the natural rhythm of growth, starting with curiosity and exposure, moving through hands-on investigation, and blossoming into leadership and advocacy.

Whether you're just beginning your nature-based learning journey or looking to deepen your practice, our progressions guide you every step of the way.

Explore our offerings below, thoughtfully grouped into three developmental stages:

1. Explore: Spark curiosity and connection
2. Inspire: Foster understanding and engagement
3. Investigate: Empower inquiry and action

Sustainability is progress, not perfection.
​Let’s grow together.

​Small Steps. Big Impact.

Sustainability doesn’t have to start with perfection, it starts with perspective.
At Growing Green, we believe small, consistent actions create lasting change.

You may hear, “Me using less plastic won’t make a difference.” But imagine if every classroom, every child, and every educator made that one small change, together, those shifts add up to something powerful.

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing something,and doing it mindfully.
From how we teach to what we model for children, sustainability is a mindset we grow over time.

Let’s reframe the conversation:
From "It’s not enough" to "It’s a start."
From "It won’t matter" to "We can lead by example."
From overwhelm to action—one small step at a time.

We’re here to help you begin. No guilt. No judgment. Just tools, support, and inspiration to grow greener, together.

You don’t need to do everything ... just something. Because small efforts, when multiplied, create lasting impact.

A Pathway, Not Perfection

​Sustainability is a journey ... not perfection.
Our curriculum follows a simple, supportive progression designed to meet educators and children where they are. Whether you’re just getting started or deepening your environmental practices, each level offers meaningful, age-appropriate learning.

#1 Explore: Discovering Sustainability
Introduce children to nature, caring for the environment, and simple, hands-on green habits. Perfect for classrooms beginning their eco-journey.

Includes:

• Nature Cards
• Nature Prompts
• Nature/Content Tool Kits

Ideal for: Educators, caregivers, or programs seeking accessible entry points into nature-based learning.

​#2 Inspire: Growing Connections
Build on foundational practices and begin weaving sustainability into daily routines and curriculum. Children and educators become more intentional in their choices.

Includes:

• Nature-Based Learning Assessment (NBLA) 
• Sustainability Education Self-Evaluation (SESE)
• Growing Green Book

Ideal for: Educators and leaders looking to bridge nature with curriculum, develop reflective practices, and expand their instructional approach.

​#3 Investigate: Deepening Understanding
Empower children to ask questions, explore solutions, and take action. At this level, sustainability becomes a mindset woven throughout the learning environment.

Includes:

• Sustainability Audit

Ideal for: Programs committed to long-term environmental action, project-based learning, and whole-child, whole-community impact.

Every Journey Begins with a First Step.
Because change doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with one less piece of plastic, one more outdoor lesson, one conversation about where our food comes from. These small moments add up, shaping children who care for their communities and the planet.

Who This Curriculum Is For

We have thoughtfully designed the Growing Green Curriculum with you in mind, whether you’re an educator, caregiver, or family member passionate about nurturing young children’s connection to the natural world and fostering sustainable habits from the very start.

Preschool and Pre-K Educators
If you teach in schools, early learning centers, or co-ops, this curriculum offers you ready-to-use, developmentally appropriate resources that seamlessly integrate nature-based science and sustainability into your classroom routine. It supports your goal of creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that engage young learners and inspire lifelong stewardship.

Homeschooling Families
For families who choose to educate at home, our curriculum provides rich, flexible activities and learning themes that bring the outdoors inside. It empowers you to build nature and sustainability into your child’s everyday education in ways that feel natural, joyful, and connected to your family’s values.

Church Groups and Children’s Ministries
If you lead faith-based groups or children’s ministries, Growing Green Curriculum offers a unique way to teach stewardship of the Earth rooted in care, respect, and responsibility. It complements spiritual teachings with practical, age-appropriate lessons about caring for creation and living sustainably.

Parents and Caregivers
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this curriculum supports you in fostering wonder, kindness, and a deep connection to the natural world in the children you love. It offers approachable, fun ways to bring nature-based learning and eco-conscious habits into daily life, nurturing curiosity and respect for the environment from the very start.

​Play-based.
Planet-friendly.
​People-centered.

Why It Works

What Sets Us Apart:

Nature-first, screen-light learning
Our curriculum prioritizes hands-on, outdoor experiences that engage children with the world around them. Less time spent in front of screens means more time for real exploration and connection to nature.

Authentic artwork, never cartoons
We believe children deserve to see the real beauty of the world. Our curriculum features real life photograps or realistic illustrations that celebrate the natural world (from the tiniest insect to the tallest tree) fostering deeper respect and understanding.

Created by educators and parents who get it
Developed by a team of passionate educators and parents, our resources are thoughtfully designed to meet the developmental needs of young learners while embracing eco-conscious practices. Every lesson and activity is intentional, practical, and rooted in experience.

Simple, beautiful, and grounded in reality
We have carefully crafted each resource to be visually engaging without overwhelming young minds. With a calm, nature-inspired aesthetic, we create a welcoming learning environment that supports focus, creativity, and curiosity.

Built on rhythm, not rush
Our curriculum follows the natural flow of the seasons, allowing children to learn at their own pace. There’s no rush, just an ongoing journey of discovery that celebrates each step of growth. We emphasize meaningful, long-term learning over quick fixes, building a deep, lasting connection with nature.

Supports sustainability and environmental awareness
Our materials encourage small, impactful habits that children can carry with them throughout their lives. From understanding the life cycle of plants to learning the importance of clean water, the curriculum nurtures eco-conscious citizens who care about the Earth’s future.

Fexible and adaptable for all learning environments
Whether you're in a classroom, a homeschool setting, or working with small groups, our resources are designed to be flexible and adaptable, making it easy to integrate nature-based learning into your unique environment.

Start where you are.
​Grow what matters.

Let's Get Growing!

Ready to nurture curiosity, wonder, and a love for the natural world in young learners? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your nature-based teaching, you’re in the right place. Our curriculum provides easy-to-follow resources, hands-on activities, and a supportive community, all designed to help you grow confident, inspired, and connected as you bring sustainability and exploration into your classroom or home.
​Let’s take the first step together!​

​What We Offer

​Our resources are designed to inspire curiosity, support educators, and deepen children’s connection to nature. Whether you're just beginning or expanding your nature-based learning journey, we offer practical tools and playful prompts to guide the way.

Book
Our foundational curriculum guide lays the groundwork for meaningful, nature-based teaching and learning—indoors and out.. Rooted in early childhood best practices and place-based education, the book provides a clear framework for integrating nature into daily routines, environments, and learning goals. It offers practical guidance on everything from setting up outdoor classrooms to observing seasonal change, supporting inquiry, and connecting with families. With reflection questions, educator stories, and planning tools woven throughout, this book supports both new and experienced educators in building a nature-rich program grounded in joy, curiosity, and sustainability.

COMING SOON

Nature Cards
Open-ended invitations designed to spark wonder, conversation, and exploration. Each card features a natural object, seasonal element, or sensory experience paired with prompts and vocabulary to guide intentional learning. Use them as a springboard for observation, storytelling, sorting, or inquiry-based play. Whether indoors or out, these cards help educators slow down and tune in to what nature and children are showing us.

DOWNLOAD NATURE CARDS

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Nature + Content Tool Kits
Themed kits with curated materials lists for exploring topics like weather, insects, plant life, and seasonal change. Each kit includes a list of hands-on items, suggested provocations, and guidance for observation and inquiry.

DOWNLOAD KITS

Nature Prompts
Quick-start ideas to spark outdoor play, seasonal learning, and spontaneous investigation, perfect for bulletin boards, backpacks, or morning meetings.

DOWNLOAD NATURE PROMPTS

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Sustainability Education Self-Evaluation (SESE)
The SESE offers a comprehensive look at how sustainability is embedded within the culture of a program—across leadership, teaching practices, family engagement, and the child experience.

DOWNLOAD SESE

Sustainability Center Self-Assessment Guide (SCSA)
The SCSA is a comprehensive, reflection-based tool designed to help early childhood centers evaluate and strengthen their sustainability practices. Covering 15 key areas, from waste reduction and green cleaning to curriculum, social justice, and climate education, The guide supports meaningful progress toward whole-program sustainability. Whether you're just beginning or refining existing efforts, the SCSA helps teams identify successes, uncover gaps, and set actionable goals for a healthier, more sustainable future.

DOWNLOAD SCSA

Nature-Based Learning Assessment (NBLA)
The NBLA helps assess the quality and authenticity of outdoor learning spaces, focusing on natural materials, ecological diversity, and opportunities for children to explore and interact with their environment.

DOWNLOAD NBLA

Discover.
Explore.
​Grow Green.

​​Start Here, Based on Your Needs

You Are...	Start With...
​Preschool or Pre-K Educator	-Growing Green Book for a foundational framework - Nature Cards and Nature Prompts for daily learning moments
​Homeschooling Family	- Nature Kits for flexible, hands-on exploration - Nature Cards for open-ended play
​Children’s Ministry or Church Group Leader	- Growing Green Book for Earth stewardship themes - Nature Prompts for seasonal integration
New to Nature-Based Learning	- Nature Prompts for easy ways to begin - Book for deeper understanding
Program Director or School Leader	​- Forms & Sustainability Tools to guide center-wide change

Grow Together: Connect + Share

Connect with the broader Growing Green community and enrich your nature-based learning journey:

Share Your Experiences:
We’d love to hear your stories, see your photos, and learn how you’re implementing the Growing Green Curriculum. Your insights inspire others and help build a vibrant community.

Contact Us

​Professional Development:
Access specialized training and certification opportunities to enhance your teaching practice and gain confidence in delivering nature-based, sustainability-focused education.

​Professional Development

Read Our Blog:
Dive into stories, expert advice, lesson ideas, and spotlight features from educators and families using the curriculum. Our blog is a great place to find inspiration and practical tips.

Blog

Join Our Network:
Stay connected by subscribing to our mailing list for the latest updates, tips, and exclusive resources.

JOIN MAILING LIST

Find your Green Tribe

Join a vibrant community of educators, parents, and nature lovers who are passionate about nurturing young minds and caring for our planet. Connect with us on social media to share your stories, get fresh ideas, and be inspired by others on the same journey.
​Together, we grow greener every day!

Curriculum Highlights

​No fluff. No overwhelm. Just meaningful materials built for real kids in real-life learning spaces.

Our Growing Green Curriculum offers a rich variety of learning experiences designed to inspire young children and support educators in fostering environmental stewardship from an early age:

Nature-Based Science Investigations:
Children explore core sustainability concepts through hands-on science activities. These investigations encourage curiosity, observation, and critical thinking around real-world themes such as pollinators, clean energy, and seasonal changes.

Family and Community Connection Activities:
We believe learning extends beyond the classroom. Our curriculum includes meaningful activities that families and communities can engage in together at home, strengthening bonds and creating shared opportunities for discovery and environmental care.

Eco-Focused Routines and Habits:
Sustainability becomes part of daily life with simple, intentional classroom routines that promote eco-friendly habits. From reducing food waste to conserving water, these small actions add up to big impact.

​Adaptations for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers:
Recognizing that children develop at different rates, the curriculum offers flexible adaptations to meet the unique needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, ensuring all children can participate fully and benefit.

Reflection and Progress Tools for Educators:
To support continuous growth, educators are provided with tools to observe, reflect, and document children’s learning progress. This helps tailor experiences and track developmental milestones aligned with sustainability goals.