Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
– Albert Einstein

In her beautiful book, The Goodness of Rain, Ann Pelo urges adults to help all children learn to value wherever they live:

“Rather than contribute to a sense of disconnection from place by writing off our most urban environments as unsalvageable or not worth knowing, we can instill in children an attitude of attention to what exists of the natural world in their neighborhoods…

“Each child lives someplace. And that someplace begins to matter when children are invited to know where they are and to participate in the unfolding life of that place – coming to know the changes in the light and in the feel of the air, and participating in a community of people who speak of such things to each other.”

An Edutopia article called “7 Tips for Bringing the Outdoors Into Your Day,” offers these ideas for helping children pay attention to the wonders of nature, wherever they live:

1. Incorporate nature into classroom routines… As you transition, you can encourage students to notice sights and smells around them as they walk or even have them practice moving like different animals…

2. Take a snack or lunch break outside: This is something you can do whenever the weather permits…

3. Naturalize your indoor space: …You can decorate your classroom with natural images, furniture, and earth-tone colors…

4. Use materials from nature: …Incorporate twigs, wood slices, or small stones into the block area…Use natural materials for art or building projects…

5. Consider a classroom animal:
   If a live animal isn’t right for you, consider a virtual class pet. Many zoos and aquariums have livestreams of some of their beloved residents, like the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s otter cam.
6. Bring wildlife to you:…A bird feeder outside of your window can entice visitors, and a few pairs of binoculars and a field guide can serve as a gentle invitation to bird-watching.

7. Grow something: Bringing some plants into your classroom, even if you don’t have a green thumb, can completely transform the atmosphere.