In January, a new resource designed to promote early literacy and get kids outside will be rolled out to select preschools and libraries called Nature Bud Learning Leafe Activity Cards.
Nature Bud Learning Leaf Activity Cards were designed by the San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) with funding from the Dr. Seuss Foundation and support from First 5 San Diego.
This simple yet effective tool is comprised of 28 leaf-shaped cards that feature engaging activities for early learners (pre-K and Kindergarten, ages 3-5). The cards are in English and Spanish, and they come with a magnifying glass to encourage close-up nature exploration in outdoor settings—parks, backyards, school grounds, and The Nat’s Nature Trail.
This free resource invites parents, caregivers, and teachers to serve as “nature buddies” to young learners, working together to practice literacy skills while discovering the wonders of nature. It helps youngsters build vocabulary, spelling, and reading skills through outdoor activities such as exploring nature’s shapes and collecting natural objects to create and tell your nature stories.
“At a time when so much learning is done on a screen, Nature Buds offers early learners and their families an opportunity to head outdoors instead,” shared Megan Adcock, senior director of learning and engagement at The Nat. “Caregivers can feel confident they are helping children develop early literacy skills while taking the time to connect with and appreciate nature.”
The Nat printed 5,500 Nature Bud card sets, which will be distributed in various locations. San Diego Unified School District is placing 900 sets at local preschools, San Diego Public Library received 4,000 sets to distribute at 37 libraries throughout the county, and the remainder will be shared by The Nat in their children’s play area, The Backyard, and during activities like Nature & Me Storytime.
“Some of the most important learning we’ll do in our lives takes place outside the classroom,” said Dr. Fabi Bagula, San Diego Unified School District, interim superintendent. “This program underscores the fundamental notion that exploration and curiosity are the foundation of knowledge, and we are happy to partner with the San Diego Natural History Museum to encourage our students to investigate the world right around them.”
A PDF version of the cards is also available for download at sdnat.org/naturebuds. The website also offers supplementary tools like nature-themed vocabulary, book recommendations, coloring pages, and even suggestions for family-friendly hikes.
As a bilingual program, Nature Buds is accessible to a larger audience that reflects San Diego’s community, helping users practice their reading skills in either language.
Nature Buds is one of several new environmental education initiatives launched by The Nat. The Museum’s education team has also developed native plant tours and outdoor activities in The Nat’s Nature Trail, as well as Nature Navigators, a free outdoor education program for fifth graders to explore regional biodiversity through Balboa Park’s gardens.
“The San Diego Public Library is excited to partner with the San Diego Natural History Museum on this new initiative. Nature Buds is a wonderful addition to our library’s mission of supporting lifelong learning and family engagement,” said Emily Derry, supervising librarian of youth and family services at the San Diego Public Library. “These activity cards inspire a love of nature and literacy in our youngest learners while encouraging families to connect and explore together in the vibrant outdoor spaces San Diego has to offer.”
For more information about Nature Buds and how to participate, visit sdnat.org/naturebuds.
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