Provide ample opportunities for movement outdoors, where toddlers can crawl, walk, or run on soft grass or sandy areas. This freedom to explore helps them connect physically with their environment.

Use leaves, flowers, or twigs to create simple art projects. Toddlers can explore textures and colours while making connections to nature.

Set up a provocation of a water play station with buckets, cups, and natural objects like stones or flowers. This can encourage exploration and stimulate curiosity about water and the materials that come from nature.

If feasible, arrange visits to local farms, petting zoos, or nature centres where toddlers can have hands-on experiences with animals. Guided interactions can help them express their feelings about animals and nature.

Create moments outdoors where educators can cuddle with under twos while listening to sounds of nature or observing the surroundings. This connection fosters a sense of security and bonding with nature.

Offer activities related to nature, such as songs about animals or the weather. Encourage toddlers to mimic animal movements or actions related to nature (like "growing" or "blowing in the wind") to build awareness and connection.

Introduce language that helps toddlers articulate their feelings during various outdoor activities. Words about emotions tied to experiences in nature—like excitement, calm, or curiosity—can foster their emotional awareness.

Incorporate outdoor play during rainy and windy days once children are dressed in appropriate clothing and the environment has been assessed for safety. This allows toddlers to experience the sensations of rain and wind first-hand, fostering their curiosity and understanding of weather patterns while engaging in imaginative play.

In the early stages, co-regulation involves educators supporting overwhelmed babies settle. This foundational support not only nurtures the immediate emotional needs of infants but also gradually helps them develop their own self-regulation skills as they grow.

Practice mindful observation while toddlers engage with their environment. Noting their reactions and interactions with nature can lead to deeper discussions about feelings and connections to the world around them.

Incorporate various sensory experiences, such as feeling different textures (rough, smooth, soft) found in nature, or investigating scents from herbs and flowers. This multi-sensory approach enriches toddlers' engagement with their surroundings.

Use storytelling as a tool to introduce themes of nature and emotions. Simple narratives about plants, animals, or weather can stimulate toddlers' imaginations and prompt discussions about their feelings related to these experiences.

Establishing regular nature-focused activities—like a weekly nature walk or garden time—can help normalise outdoor exploration, fostering a lifelong appreciation for nature in young children.

Present simple challenges, such as building a small fort with sticks or finding specific leaves, to encourage toddlers to think critically and develop problem-solving skills while engaging in nature play.