Reading is dreaming with your eyes wide open.
Below are professional & picture books I’ve written or recommended that emphasize the whole child & inspire play, exploration and an appreciation of nature.
Teaching Off Trail
Written by: Peter Dargatz
The amazing evolution of a traditional public school kindergarten to a nature kindergarten
Teaching Off Trail describes the transformation of Peter Dargatz, a national board-certified teacher, and public school coordinator, from an anxious assessor and worksheet distributor to a fair and fun facilitator of learning while in the same public school system.
This book offers strategies for readers to implement Peter's unique teaching philosophy to increase opportunities for play, creative expression, and personalization in both the indoor and outdoor classroom. In his own classroom, Peter brought learning outside by creating a nature kindergarten program that emphasizes community partnerships, service learning, and meaningful and memorable experiences in the outdoors. He incorporates techniques often identified as more informal settings like Reggio or Montessori, and shows how they work within a public school system.
Teaching Off Trail aims to inspire educators, administrators, and parents across all levels to turn their outrage for today's educational system into outreach that promotes passionate and purposeful problem-solving.
CLICK ON COVER to order.
Nature-Based Preschool Professional Practice Guidebook
Written by : Various authors
The Nature-Based Preschool Professional Practice Guidebook represents the combined expertise of professionals across the field of nature-based education, and describes how nature-based educators offer programs that are safe, effective, and inclusive. The Guidebook unites diverse models of nature-based education—from outdoor schools to forest kindergartens to nature-based preschools—to provide a platform for the sustained growth of outdoor, nature-based education for young children. The Guidebook is focused on preschool programs, but the principals and practices are relevant to any early learning program, including elementary schools.
Play & Playground
In 2020, Peter became a regular contributor to the Play & Playground magazine. Below are his articles so far.
Dec. 2020 - Embrace the Chill
Sept. 2020 - Slow Down to Catch Up
June 2020 - Nature Play
March 2021 - Play Like a Scientist
My Articles
Natural Start Alliance Member Profile
Woodside teacher chosen environmental educator of the year
Local teacher says 'Nature Kindergarten' brings back normalcy for students VIDEO
Nature-Based Learning For Real World Skills PODCAST
Woodside teacher shows students what outdoors can teach them
Schools Need Fewer Tests and More Outdoor Summer Classes
Outdoor classrooms could help solve school reopening dilemma
Snapshot Wisconsin aims to photograph Wisconsin wildlife across entire state VIDEO