Rooted in Joy: Culturally Centered Learning in Nature

Bring culture and belonging into nature-based learning.

Grounded in the lived experiences and traditions of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, Rooted in Joy connects nature-based learning with culture, community, and identity. This practical, reflective resource helps preschool teachers, pre-K teachers, early elementary teachers, and child-care center directors create more culturally inclusive outdoor experiences while fostering children’s curiosity and connection with the natural world.

Author Ashley Brailsford, PhD—an early childhood educator, researcher, and founder of Unearthing Joy—draws on community knowledge, cultural wisdom, and real-world classroom practice to bridge equity and environmental education. Through practical strategies, reflective prompts, and authentic examples, she invites you to reimagine outdoor learning as a place of joy and belonging.

Inside, you’ll discover how to:

• use practical strategies to make your outdoor learning spaces more culturally inclusive.
• use reflective prompts to shape meaningful nature-based learning experiences.
• connect culturally centered learning with your classroom practice through authentic examples.
• draw on cultural knowledge and community wisdom to connect outdoor learning with children’s identities.
• use an equity-centered approach to challenge dominant narratives and center joy and belonging outdoors.

Make culture, community, and the joy of discovery part of your outdoor learning practice.