The BODY SMART Blog

The Friday 5 for March 11th

11th March, 2011 - Posted by - No Comments

Editor’s Note: I fell in love with this picture. Somehow, I think this is what childhood should look like. It’s certainly what it should feel like — filled with awe and wonder of exploring the world and finding our place in it.

Definition: Sampling of articles and blog posts that caught our eye that will be of interest to Head Start, parent and early childhood education communities.

This week’s Friday 5:

1. Author, Richard Louv, shared his ideas on getting libraries to help connect children and families with nature as part of an approach to healthier communities. We love this idea! Check out, Five Ways Libraries Can Apply the Nature Principle.
2. Get some ideas of how to change your outdoor playspace into an outdoor classroom with a few simple additions.
3. Watch this great video from play researcher and writer, Tim Gill on Risk in Childhood.
4. To piggyback on the risk video read, ‘I climbed right up to here’ or Risk and Challenge in a Forest School. Great points to ponder as you plan your outdoor playspace and think about what opportunities for risk and challenge you are providing the children in your care.
5. Play. “It’s about biology.” Great editorial from @EdPlay.

OK, I think that should keep you busy for a bit.

Make some time for fun, movement and joy this weekend — get out there and PLAY!

Play on! ~ Bethe

Blogger Bio: 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…

photo credit: pasotraspaso