In Praise of Nature Play
2nd February, 2011 - Posted by - 7 Comments
“I sincerely believe that for the child, and for the parent seeking to guide him, it is not half so important to know as to feel when introducing a young child to the natural world. If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow. The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil.” -Rachel Carson, A Sense of Wonder
From math to science, to language and creative arts, nature offers an integrating context for educators. Whether it’s a school garden, a birdfeeder or a rotting log on the playground, endless opportunities await young minds and bodies.
Discovery. Wonder. Awe.
In terms of the opportunity for promoting active play and movement, outdoor play spaces are unequaled, and provide more opportunities for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than indoor spaces. Whether children are rolling down a hill, climbing a tree, or running like the wind, Mother Nature inspires children to move and play with abandon.
So, what are you waiting for? Share your ideas in the comments section on how you use the natural world as your outdoor classroom! I will collect your great ideas and create a post with them next month.
Playfully yours, Bethe
Bethe Almeras, MS, is the HSBS Education & Outreach Director. A long time educator and play advocate, she is passionate about outdoor play and connecting children with nature. In her free time Bethe writes a blog, The Grass Stain Guru, and can often be found playing outside. She is particularly fond of squirrels. And turtles. And sandpipers. And…
Tags: activity, childhood, development, ECE, exercise, fun, Health, HSBS, movement, nature, Parent, Physical Activity, Play, playgrounds
Posted on: February 2, 2011
Filed under: Education, Nature & Outdoors, Play
7 Comments
Tweets that mention In Praise of Nature Play | The BODY SMART Blog -- Topsy.com
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:34 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Bethe Almeras, HeadStartBodyStart. HeadStartBodyStart said: NEW post @ The Body Smart Blog: In Praise of Nature Play http://bit.ly/ezPnJn #ECE #nature #playoutdoors [...]
Debi
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:50 pm
Nature is the ultimate classroom! I love watching my 6-year-old put his imagination to use – building fairy houses, creating a bug world or studying rocks. There’s always something new to discover right in our own backyard!
hsbs
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Right on, Debi!
Shane Morgan
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:26 pm
My tip would be to use native plants since they attract native wildlife (insects, birds, mammals, etc). Then children not only will have the opportunity to learn about nature, they will also be given the chance to have a sense of place, understanding that nature isn’t just a mowed lawn or a park with a few mature trees – it is an entire ecosystem that needs our love and protection.
http://thegivinggarden.wordpress.com/2011/01/20/inviting-nature-back-into-childrens-lives/
hsbs
February 2nd, 2011 at 9:25 pm
I couldn’t agree more, Shane! As a longtime wildlife gardener and environmental educator, “going native” is how I roll!
Ariella Rogge
March 15th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
I think you have to reconnect with your own sense of wonder and awe when you go into the outdoors.
Slow down. Breathe. Change your perspective.
I sometimes have to jump start outdoor classroom experiences and nature experiences with fun games. My favorite resource (written by two of my favorite people) is the newly released 101 Nature Activities for Kids by Jane Sanborn and Elizabeth Rundle http://amzn.to/101Nature
Role play also really works to help bring the natural world alive. Our outdoor education program combines living history role play with natural world exploration to make the content stick!
Mostly, though, I just have to think about the world through the eyes of a child–and remember that a walk through the woods with a toddler might only take you 100 yards in an hour–but the developmental growth, calming effects of nature, and impact on the child’s imagination will last forever.
hsbs
March 16th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Great tips and ideas, Ariella. Thanks for sharing. We’re hoping by reaching the early childhood community, we can can keep the love of nature & outdoor play alive.
Leave a reply