Words Live Nature What's happening this week, on our adventure Creatures in Our Schools The school is housed in a small, seemingly nondescript building, offset from the Hesarghatta main road. A lone Singapore Cherry (Muntingia calabura) tree marks one corner of the school. ‘Look, there goes a Haavu Rani!’, one of the teachers casually remarked as she walked into the school. Haavu Rani is Kannada for Skink, it translates to ‘Snake Queen’. More A Bugs Life Is that little piece of paint from the wall moving? Who cleans up the crumbs from my kitchen while I’m asleep at night? Who lives in that little white tent in the corner of the wall? More

At Nature Classrooms, we run collaborative projects using multiple ways of engagement. These include the Suttha Muttha project with schools and teachers in Silvepura Village, Bangalore to enhance stories of local ecology among school communities. We also engage with schools and organisations to develop contextual resources based on the EVS curriculum. Additionally, we have been involved in a collaborative research project that explores how nature features in the social life of urban children. Alphabet Charts Walk into most stores and classrooms in India, and you will find alphabet learning charts connecting the alphabet using exotic animals, birds, or other man-made things from our lives. We bring you locally and culturally relevant nature alphabet charts that bring together some of the commonly found plants, animals, and natural elements across region-specific ecosystems. Use them in your classrooms and homes to introduce your students to the diverse life forms around them, spark conversations about local ecology, and inspire further exploration. Ages 3+, Adults Kashmiri Alphabet Chart This chart brings together the plants and animals of Kashmir - from kingfishers to willow trees to spiders and langurs—all through the English alphabet. This is a fun alternative to a regular A to Z chart that incorporates elements of Kashmir's landscape and language. EXPLORE Tamil Alphabet Chart Walk into any bookstore and you’ll find alphabet charts filled with giraffes, penguins, and macaws. But what about the creatures that are around us? This chart brings together the plants and animals of Tamil Nadu, from dugongs to Indrella snails, fungi, odonates, wasps, and wildflowers, all through the Tamil alphabet. Explore Bird Alphabet Chart B is for Birds! Here is a Bird Alphabet Chart for schools and homes that allows you to learn about some common birds of India through the English alphabet! India is home to a variety of beautiful birds, and this Bird Alphabet Chart in collaboration with EarlyBird is designed to make the learner curious and connect with some of the birds that live alongside us while learning the English alphabet. DOWNLOAD (V1) DOWNLOAD (V2) Gojri Alphabet Chart The Gojri alphabet chart celebrates the Gojri language and script by connecting it directly to the pastoral life and ecology of the Kashmir Himalayas. By linking the alphabet to local life—like Bakri (goat) or Jaberd (water pond)—it ensures literacy celebrates and preserves the community's environmental wisdom. Explore Gujarati Alphabet Chart This chart celebrates the Gujarati alphabet using the Kathiawadi dialect, and connecting it directly to the unique life of Gujarat's savanna grasslands and thorny forests. From wolves to indigenous livestock breeds, it represents Gujarat's local culture, ecology, and environmental wisdom. Explore Projects Search Search

At Nature Classrooms, we run collaborative projects using multiple ways of engagement. These include the Suttha Muttha project with schools and teachers in Silvepura Village, Bangalore to enhance stories of local ecology among school communities. We also engage with schools and organisations to develop contextual resources based on the EVS curriculum. Additionally, we have been involved in a collaborative research project that explores how nature features in the social life of urban children. Nature Educators Meet-ups The Nature Educator Meet-ups began as an informal gathering of educators, facilitators, and nature enthusiasts who are passionate about nurturing meaningful connections between children, adults, and the natural world. Started in April 2024 at Cubbon Park, Bengaluru, the community has grown with over 250+ nature education enthusiasts eager to forge connections and collaborate. Since our first meet-up, we have hosted and facilitated 15+ gatherings in Bangalore so far with sessions on theatre, tree and bird walks, games, storytelling, ethical dilemmas that confront us as nature educators, thinking with a design lens, to name a few! Our meet-ups were also featured in an article published in The Hindu in March 2025. The community has now grown beyond Bangalore, reaching nature education enthusiasts in Mumbai, Goa, and Chennai! These meet-ups are a space to meet and reflect, share our wonder and our challenges, and brainstorm creative ways to bring nature into our everyday life and learning. If you are interested in joining or initiating a chapter in your city or town, reach out to us at info@natureclassrooms.in Projects Search Search

At Nature Classrooms, we run collaborative projects using multiple ways of engagement. These include the Suttha Muttha project with schools and teachers in Silvepura Village, Bangalore to enhance stories of local ecology among school communities. We also engage with schools and organisations to develop contextual resources based on the EVS curriculum. Additionally, we have been involved in a collaborative research project that explores how nature features in the social life of urban children. Modules Our learning modules are designed to help you go beyond the textbook and explore the rich, often-overlooked layers of the natural world. Each module is an invitation to discover, develop, and nurture a deep sense of wonder through hands-on activities and engaging resources. Water Module - Explore Life in Water Water, as an ecosystem, goes so much beyond our use and interactions with it. Even a little puddle of water after a rain that collects on your potholed road or in the crevice of a tree trunk will attract birds, frogs, and dragonflies! This learning module is an invitation to discover, develop, and nurture a wonderment and curiosity for water as an ecosystem that is teeming with amazing life forms that use it in various ways! EXPLORE Nature Moves Something we overlook in nature is how it moves, from Peepal leaves on a windy day to the shuffle of antennae in an army of weaver ants. An exploration of the integration of movement and nature education, Nature Moves is a resource bank of movement-based activities that educators can choose from in their nature education and environmental studies classes. EXPLORE Nature Strokes The Nature Strokes module is an Art and Nature handbook filled with activities, resources, and ideas that use art as a vibrant medium for learning about nature and, in turn, learning about art through nature. Look out for updates from us as we release more units of this module in various themes! EXPLORE Projects Search Search

At Nature Classrooms, we run collaborative projects using multiple ways of engagement. These include the Suttha Muttha project with schools and teachers in Silvepura Village, Bangalore to enhance stories of local ecology among school communities. We also engage with schools and organisations to develop contextual resources based on the EVS curriculum. Additionally, we have been involved in a collaborative research project that explores how nature features in the social life of urban children. Our Work Our work at Nature Classrooms unfolds through four interconnected arms — Resource Creation, Teacher Training Workshops, Research, and Outreach & Public Engagement. By engaging with all four, we aim to bring age-appropriate, contextual-local-culturally relevant, and accessible nature learning into teaching – learning spaces and communities. Resource Creation 35+ Teaching-learning nature modules, activities, and resources developed and trialled. Read More Capacity Building and Training Workshops Over 45+ training workshops since 2019, engaging with nearly 2,000 teachers, educators, fellows, and conservation students. Read More Research 2 active and 1 completed research projects to inform nature education and learning practices in the Global South. Read More Outreach and Public Engagement 20+ Nature Educator Meet-Ups in Bangalore and other cities in India. Read More Projects Search Search

At Nature Classrooms, we run collaborative projects using multiple ways of engagement. These include the Suttha Muttha project with schools and teachers in Silvepura Village, Bangalore to enhance stories of local ecology among school communities. We also engage with schools and organisations to develop contextual resources based on the EVS curriculum. Additionally, we have been involved in a collaborative research project that explores how nature features in the social life of urban children. Anchor Charts Anchor charts are a fun way to learn actively or passively! These anchor charts are perfect for visually connecting things- like how a tiny insect relies on a specific plant—and understanding behaviors, interactions, and phenomena around us, making it simple to start conversations and get curious about the living world around us. Ages 5+, Adults Plant Posters Plants right outside our doors are hubs for ecological interactions like shelter, food, pollination, and seed dispersal - revealing a dynamic miniature ecosystem in every leaf and branch. These plant posters offer a close-up, dynamic view of a single plant, highlighting its various parts and the fascinating interactions it has with the most common animals, birds, and insects that use them. EXPLORE Behaviour Tales Like how we humans groom and keep ourselves clean, animals too have fascinating ways in which they do these essential behaviours and adaptations! This resource was made to supplement primary school chapters on human cleaning habits and delves into the amazing world of animal hygiene, exploring how animals employ unique strategies to stay clean. Explore Projects Search Search

At Nature Classrooms, we run collaborative projects using multiple ways of engagement. These include the Suttha Muttha project with schools and teachers in Silvepura Village, Bangalore to enhance stories of local ecology among school communities. We also engage with schools and organisations to develop contextual resources based on the EVS curriculum. Additionally, we have been involved in a collaborative research project that explores how nature features in the social life of urban children. Research Everything we do is rooted in thoughtful reflection and research. We explore how students and teachers experience and connect with the natural world, uncovering stories and insights that guide how we engage with learners and how we design our nature-based learning and approaches. Through gap analysis especially in the context of the Global South, we keep our work grounded, contextual, and evolving. Through our research, we aim to inform our own practice and support the wider nature education community in reimagining how everyday nature can be meaningfully and seamlessly woven into teaching–learning spaces. Read More Developed with the support of the Inlaks Ravi Sankaran Small Grants Programme as an open-source tool to assess the effectiveness of nature education programmes and other nature learning initiatives. Nature Education Assessment Framework (NEAF) Nature-based Social-Emotional Learning for Teachers and Educators A programme that integrates nature learning with social-emotional learning. Read More Children and Nature in the City A research project to explore the city through the lens of children Read More Projects Search Search

At Nature Classrooms, we run collaborative projects using multiple ways of engagement. These include the Suttha Muttha project with schools and teachers in Silvepura Village, Bangalore to enhance stories of local ecology among school communities. We also engage with schools and organisations to develop contextual resources based on the EVS curriculum. Additionally, we have been involved in a collaborative research project that explores how nature features in the social life of urban children. There Is Nothing There KANNADA HINDI THE GAME Nature Classrooms’ nature learning book ‘There’s Nothing There!’ follows Arali and her Amma’s journey from her school to their home, and everything that they see (or maybe don’t) in between - and you will get a chance to join them in these delightful journeys! This visually stunning bilingual book was inspired by the younglings and teachers of Tarabanahalli Govt. School, in peri urban Bangalore who embarked on adventures to explore nature in and around their school grounds and local neighbourhoods. ‘There’s Nothing There!’ finds its roots in the conversations and interactions during our two year collaborative Suttha Muttha project with the Fig Tree Learning Center supported by The Bangalore Sustainability Forum. The Nature Classrooms team and Fig Tree's dedicated educators (Jane, Sarojini, and Gousia), illustrator and designer Karunya Bhaskar joined hands, weaving together the little and not-so-little interactions and shared experiences of nature that they came across along with the students and teachers from government schools in Silvepura Village, Bengaluru's vibrant and rapidly changing peri-urban landscape. Based on our trials with the schools we work with, we are in the process of compiling various nature activity ideas that can compliment the story book and also be used by teachers in and around their classroom and school spaces. Look out for these on our website! If you use this book with your students and would like to share your nature activity ideas with us please get in touch - we would love to trial them out as well! Authors: Roshni Ravi, Jane Sahi Design and Illustrations: Karunya Bhaskar Supported by: The Bangalore Sustainability Forum In collaboration with: The Fig Tree Learning Center Languages: English and Kannada, English and Hindi Translation support (Kannada): Anu Mothi, Maadhyama Aneka Pvt. Ltd Design support (Hindi): Janhavi Translation support (Hindi): Nidhi Pal Additional support (Hindi): Mihir Pathak Projects Search Search

At Nature Classrooms, we run collaborative projects using multiple ways of engagement. These include the Suttha Muttha project with schools and teachers in Silvepura Village, Bangalore to enhance stories of local ecology among school communities. We also engage with schools and organisations to develop contextual resources based on the EVS curriculum. Additionally, we have been involved in a collaborative research project that explores how nature features in the social life of urban children. Outreach and Public Engagement Our outreach and public engagement initiatives aim to take Nature Classrooms’ work and approach to the wider community of educators and nature educators, and to platform and enable for dialogue, collaboration, and sharing experiences and co-learning opportunities. By facilitating meet-ups, talks, workshops, conferences and creative collaborations, we connect with students, teachers, nature educators, nature enthusiasts, and the wider public to exchange ideas, share experiences, and imagine new ways for nature to be part of everyday life and learning. Communities of Practice An online series, in collaboration with Wipro Foundation, exploring the different topics and themes relevant to nature learning. Read More Nature Educators Meet-ups The Nature Educator Meet-ups is a growing community of nature educators and nature enthusiasts who connect, reflect, and explore creative ways to bring nature learning into everyday life. What began as an informal gathering in Bengaluru has now expanded to Mumbai, Goa, and Chennai, with 250+ members and 15+ sessions since 2024. Read More Projects Search Search

The Nature Education Assessment Framework (NEAF) is being developed by Tanya Rele of Nature Classrooms, with the support of the Inlaks Ravi Sankaran Small Grants Programme as an open-source tool to assess the effectiveness of nature education programmes and other nature learning initiatives. Nature Education Assessment Framework (NEAF) Supported by Inlaks Ravi Sankaran Small Grants Why do we need nature education, and how do we know whether it is shaping how learners and educators feel, think, and act in relation to the natural world? Or are our programmes becoming just another intervention within an already crowded and stretched education system? These questions surfaced repeatedly in our conversations at Nature Classrooms, prompting us to pause and reflect on whether nature education is truly reaching and making the difference we hope for. As we explored them, it became clear that the challenge was not a lack of interest in assessment, but the lack of approaches that feel meaningful, practical, and grounded in everyday contexts. While several tools exist, many are shaped by contexts from the Global North that do not fully align with socio-ecological realities in India. Conversations with practitioners across regions further highlighted that, although assessments are valued, existing approaches often feel tedious and disconnected from on-ground practice. About the Nature Education Assessment Framework (NEAF) The Nature Education Assessment Framework (NEAF) is a foundational, easy-to-use, open-access toolkit developed by Nature Classrooms to help nature educators assess the effectiveness of their programmes and gain insights into how learners connect with the natural world. NEAF captures shifts in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours, the three key dimensions of how learners engage with and relate to nature. Shaped and trialled through collaborations with educators from different geographies in India, NEAF offers a set of adaptable qualitative and quantitative tools for nature education practitioners who work with students, as well as those who engage with teachers and educators. The framework also provides tools for practitioners to assess their own approach and practices. These tools are not intended to ‘test’ learners, but instead to spark reflection and dialogue. They encourage close observation and listening not only to what is said, written, or drawn, but also to what is felt and noticed. The Tools in NEAF Each tool includes guidelines on when and how to use it, along with suggestions for interpreting and reflecting on the insights that emerge. The goal is not standardisation or fixed outcomes, but a deeper understanding of learners and their relationship with the natural world. Throughout NEAF, analysis involves identifying patterns, trends, gaps, and stories. NEAF - A living Framework At its core, NEAF is a living framework designed not only to assess but also to support nature education programmes. It provides a structured yet simple approach to assessment while leaving room for adaptation, co-creation, and ongoing evolution. Meant to evolve with practice, NEAF grows through thoughtful refinement and remains guided by how learners experience nature and recognising the many ways in which nature learning unfolds. Team Tanaya Rele (Lead - Research and Development of NEAF) Vena Kapoor & Ovee Thorat (Ideation, Mentorship & Feedback) Vaibhavi Bhat H S & Krishna Ghediya (Interns) Shivangi Thakkar (Design) You can download the framework below. Download ................................... Supported by ...................................

At Nature Classrooms, we work towards integrating elements of Nature Learning with the existing Environmental Studies curriculum of primary schools in India. We engage in capacity building for educators, develop age appropriate and contextual nature learning resources, and research that contributes towards making nature education meaningful for teachers and learners. Nature Classrooms is an initiative under the Education and Public Engagement Programme at the Nature Conservation Foundation. What We Do We see nature as the ideal learning space, or classroom, and hope to blur the distinctions between the two - which inspired the name “Nature Classrooms" . We symbolise this in our logo by depicting an ant that is curious and excited about exploring the natural world beyond classroom boundaries. This ubiquitous ant is also a reminder of how interspersed nature and nature learning is in our lives. Nature Classrooms programme works in collaboration with Youth Conservation Action Network (YouCAN) to effectively advance our individual and collective goals for nature education and conservation. Resource Creation Browse through our growing collection of nature learning resources aimed at integrating age-appropriate and locally-contextually-culturally relevant nature learning in teaching-learning spaces. Read More Capacity Building and Training Workshops We conduct immersive, context-driven workshops empowering teachers and educators to integrate nature learning into diverse teaching-learning spaces. Read More Research Through our research projects, we address questions that arise from engaging with Nature Learning and contribute towards meaningful education practices in the Global South. Read More Outreach and Public Engagement Through our outreach initiatives, we foster dialogue, collaboration, and co-learning. Read More ....................... Partners ....................... Mr. Balkrishna Isvaran The Serenity Trust Integrated Electric Company Pvt. Ltd. ....................... Collaborators ....................... To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Search

The Nature Learning Resources featured here span a variety of topics from the current primary school EVS curriculum followed in India. The resources we create are nature-centric, contextual, culturally relevant, age-appropriate, learner-centric, experiential, empathetic, inquiry-based, and accessible. They have been sorted by class and theme. To ensure that learners connect with our resources and find them accessible, the trial and testing of resources is ongoing over the next three years. Blog More Resources The Nature Learning Resources featured here span a variety of topics from the current EVS curriculum followed in India. Designed to be age-appropriate, they are organized into different themes, available in multiple languages, and some of the resources are adapted to specific regions as well. We regularly add new resources as they are developed, and you can find updates about our latest releases on our social media . Bingos Anchor Charts Alphabet charts Natural History Activities Modules Story Books Resource Search Search