NATURE SPARKS: CONNECTING CHILDREN’S LEARNING TO THE NATURAL WORLD provides developmentally appropriate, nature-oriented indoor and outdoor classroom practices that include hands-on learning centers, field trips and hikes along with play activities, and offers teachers and day care providers strategies for involving a child with nature’s wonders. From creating nature discovery trails to centers filled with nature observations based on land, water, and air, this tells educators how to involve all ages during all seasons, and is a fine pick for any early childhood collection.
March 2012 edition of The Bookwatch, Internet Bookwatch

Understanding the natural world is a great kick off to understanding everything else. "Nature sparks: Connecting Children's Learning to the Natural World" is a guide for child educators and parents who want to nurture a child's natural curiosity in the world. Aerial Cross presents many activities that are developmentally appropriate, encouraging play and hands on learning. "Nature Sparks" is a fine read with plenty of wise wisdom for nurturing a love of learning.
Wisconsin Bookwatch

Cross, a general and special educator, describes how teachers can use nature-based activities to enhance the learning process in all academic areas and the growth and development of all children in early childhood grades. She explains the benefits and rationale for using nature in learning and provides activities, ideas, and tips, as well as ways to connect storybooks, mini-lessons, and other academic and sensory extensions to nature. She focuses on activities for language and literacy, science, art, and multisensory play; details the use of a nature journal; and discusses developmentally appropriate classroom practice. No index is provided. (Annotation ©2011 book News Inc. Portland, OR)
October 2011 edition of Research Book News