connecting children to nature through explorations and investigations

Connecting Children To Nature

Through Explorations and Investigations

Apprentice yourself to nature. Not a day will pass without her opening a new and wondrous world of experience to learn

from and enjoy. Richard W. Langer

With a garden there

is hope.Grace Firth

If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder without any such gift from the fairies, he needs the companionship of at least one adult

who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.

Rachel Carson

Whatever befalls earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web he does to himself. ~Chief Seattle

He who plants a garden, plants happiness. Chinese Proverb

Leave part of the yard rough. Don't manicure everything. Small children in particular love to turn over rocks and find bugs, and give them some space to do that. Take your child fishing. Take your child on hikes.” ~ Richard Louv

Every child is born a naturalist. His eyes are, by nature, open to the glories of the stars, the beauty of the flowers, and the mysteries of life.R. Search

The world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives. ~ Thomas Berry

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.

~ Frank Lloyd Wright

Children are born with sense of wonder and an affinity for nature. Properly cultivated, these values can mature into ecological literacy, and

eventually into sustainable patterns of living. ~ Zenobia Barlow

Childhood Memories of Nature

Nature Deficit Disorder

Nature play increases self-esteem, improves psychological health, and reduces stress.

Nature play improves physical conditioning and reduces obesity.

Nature play stimulates creativity, imagination, & problem solving.

Students learn to care for nature, & get a sense of the world around

them.

Children & families cultivate a relationship with nature

Bring Nature Indoors

Using the Senses to Explore the World Around Us

https://animoto.com/play/mBezgTWcAkKCAgTOafUh9A

Science Centers

Looking Closer

Observing Nature Materials

Sensory Tables

More on Sensory Tables

Exploring DirtCompare/Contrast

Taking a Closer Look

Children’s Nature Collections

Dramatic Play Centers

Art Center

Observing Nature from Inside

Outdoor Activities

Outside Shadow Play

https://animoto.com/play/rpGwgpMiefqtfzeLJfFiOA

Outdoor Art

Learn about Lifecycles

Plant a Garden

Square of Life

Rethink Weather

Nature Walks

Looking for Spring

Build a Nest

Explore Local Trees

o Garden o Rocks o Watero Bird Houseso Digging Pito Dirt Pileo Treeso Seating

Imagine Changes to Your Play Yard

More Nature Activities & Investigations

Display Nature Art

Nature Walk About

Gail Laubenthal, Consultant

glaubent@yahoo.com

Robbie Polan, Childcare Liaison

robbie.polan@austinisd.org