Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 update
Wild Pedagogies: Six Initial Touchstones for Early Childhood Environmental Educators
Six 'touchstones' for wild pedagogies give early childhood environmental educators a way to think about nature as a co-teacher and about letting go of control.
What's new
This conceptual article belongs to a larger, still-evolving project on wild pedagogies. It briefly introduces the project and then looks at six touchstones for early childhood environmental educators: agency and the role of nature as co-teacher; wildness and challenging ideas of control; complexity, the unknown and spontaneity; locating the wild; time and practice; and cultural change.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
Early childhood and primary educators in Aotearoa who are developing nature-based programmes can use the touchstones to reflect on their practice.
Putting it into practice
Use the six touchstones as prompts in a team discussion about how much your nature-based sessions are planned and controlled, and where there is room for spontaneity.
How strong is the evidence
This is a conceptual piece with no empirical study.
What to read
The section exploring the six touchstones.