The Nature Connected Curriculum
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Satish Kumar is a pioneer of earth-centred education and co-founder of The Small School and Schumacher College, a leading institution in ecological learning. A former Jain monk and environmental thinker, he is a world leader and prominent figure in holistic education that integrates sustainability, spirituality, and a deep connection with nature, recently Satish reviewed The Nature Connected Curriculum and gave this glowing review”
“What a marvellous book, Nature Connected Learning. Congratulations to Danny for writing it. We urgently need to make our education Nature-centred. At the moment our schools teach children about Nature simply as a means to an end, just as a resource for the economy. Nature Connected Learning shows that Nature is more than a resource, Nature is life itself. We are all Nature. At the time of climate crisis we need our children, our future generations, to learn how to live in harmony with Nature, how to look after Nature and how to enhance Nature. This book by Danny English is an excellent and outstanding contribution to help educators to bring the knowledge and understanding of Nature into the heart of school curriculum.” Satish Kumar
Modern childhood is increasingly shaped by the realities of climate change, which are altering the experiences and perspectives of young people today. With extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation becoming more frequent, climate change is now a tangible part of children's lives. This shift is impacting their mental health, fuelling anxiety about the future, and influencing their education as schools strive to identify and teach solutions. While children today are more aware of global challenges, they also bear the burden of growing up in a world where the effects of climate change are ever-present.
Outdoor and Environmental Education, often seen as a solution to this challenge, has largely failed to make a significant impact in fostering responsible earth stewards with a deep love for nature. This is primarily because it has been treated as an 'add-on' rather than a core element of the curriculum, confined to occasional trips or isolated activities, rather than providing the consistent, immersive experiences needed to develop meaningful connections with the natural world.
Outdoor and Environmental Education, often seen as a solution to this challenge, has largely failed to make a significant impact in fostering responsible earth stewards with a deep love for nature. This is primarily because it has been treated as an 'add-on' rather than a core element of the curriculum, confined to occasional trips or isolated activities, rather than providing the consistent, immersive experiences needed to develop meaningful connections with the natural world.
However, hope lies in the five pathways to nature connection curriculum. Recent research shows that engaging with these pathways-senses, beauty, compassion,emotion, and meaning-not only improves well-being but also encourages positive environmental actions. When fully integrated into the school curriculum, these pathways offer a holistic approach that nurtures children's innate bond with nature, fostering a deep, lifelong respect and responsibility for the environment, all while meeting the national curriculum requirements.
