Author: Daniel Burton

Redefining Play and Connection for Adolescents: Guildford Grammar Year 7 Adventure Playground

In partnership with Guildford Grammar School, Educated by Nature has embarked on an innovative project to bring play back into the lives of Year 7 students through an Adventure Playground. Nestled in the natural area next to the volleyball courts, this space is far from a conventional school plyaground. It’s an evolving, dynamic environment where…
David Sobel: Key Takeaways from our Discussion

In a recent episode of Campfire Conversations, I chatted with environmental educator David Sobel. We explored the foundational concepts that drive his approach to nature-based education, as well as the inspirations behind his work. David shared insights into how nature play can shape a child’s development, from his “Seven Design Principles” to the importance of…
Reflections from Ontario: Risk, Play, and Nature Connection

This October, as part of my USA and Canada speaking tour, I had the pleasure of visiting Toronto and Hamilton in Ontario. These visits were filled with opportunities to connect with passionate educators. We shared insights, exploring inspiring approaches to risk and play in outdoor education. It was an honour to collaborate with organisations and individuals who align closely…
A Visit with David Sobel and Jennifer Kramer: Exploring Nature, Education, and Connection in New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region

A highlight of my USA/Canada tour was visiting the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, where I had the opportunity to meet one of my greatest professional inspirations, David Sobel, alongside his equally insightful wife, Jennifer Kramer. David’s work has been foundational to the development of Educated by Nature. His writings on nature, childhood, and education,…
Campfire Conversations – Ep# 30 – David Sobel

Join Daniel Burton, our CEO, and renowned environmental educator David Sobel in an inspiring conversation about connecting children to nature through thoughtful design. In this video, they dive into David’s “7 Design Principles for Children in Nature,” sharing insights, practical examples, and ways to create spaces that spark curiosity, adventure, and meaningful interactions with the…
A Morning at Harrisville Children’s Centre: Learning Through Nature and Play

Join Daniel Burton, CEO of Educated by Nature, as he shares his inspiring visit to Harrisville Children’s Center in New Hampshire—a center rooted in nature-based play and early childhood education. Founded by renowned educator David Sobel, Harrisville embraces a play-focused, outdoor learning environment where children thrive through hands-on exploration and community involvement. From harvesting carrots…
Connecting Children to Nature: A Journey of Discovery and Growth

By taking inspiration from Slow Pedagogy, the Reggio Emilia approach, biophilia, and Deep Nature Connection, we can create learning environments that foster meaningful connections between children and the natural world. These connections not only support academic growth but also nurture the heart, preparing children to engage with the world as compassionate, mindful stewards.
Realising the Vision: Reflections from the Early Childhood Australia National Conference 2024

This past month, I had the privilege of attending the Early Childhood Australia National Conference in Brisbane under the theme ‘Realising the Vision – An Integrated Future for the Early Years’. The conference brought together an incredible array of thought leaders, educators, and advocates, offering deep insights into the future of early childhood education (ECEC)…
Reflecting on the 2024 Play Matters Collective Summit: Listening to Children’s Voices and Standing Up for the Right to Play

Discover the impact of the 2024 Play Matters Collective Summit in Perth, Western Australia, as we reflect on the significance of play for children and young people. Learn how advocates, educators, and researchers gathered to elevate the importance of children’s right to play, highlighting voices of young people and discussing the role of play in…
Reframing Success: From Well-Oiled Machines to Thriving Meadows

In an era dominated by technology and industrial progress, the world expects efficiency and precision from every corner of life. The metaphor of a “well-oiled machine” has become synonymous with success. However, this mechanical perspective has fallbacks. It often leads to burnout, disconnection from our intrinsic values, and an unyielding pressure to consistently produce, regardless…