Nature Schools & Reggio Emilia
A few good reads on nature preschools, The Reggio Approach, and the benefits of play:
Nature Preschools
mag.audubon.org – Article on nature preschools, discussing cognitive benefits of outdoor time in the early years
bostonglobe.com – Article on nature preschools & kindergartens emerging in the US
academia.edu – Research on prosocial behavior exhibited in preschool aged children through nature-based activities
The Reggio Emilia Approach
https://www.naeyc.org/ – A thorough overview of the approach, with detailed examples from a classroom
https://www.pbs.org – Helpful comparison of Reggio, Waldorf, and Montessori approaches
widipedia.org – Nuts & bolts of the Reggio Emilia Approach and its origins
Play
independent.co.uk – Great article on the benefits of play — by Dr. Peter Gray, research professor of psychology at Boston College