From Teacher Denise Martinez:
Dear OCS Families. I have read Last Child in the Woods and used some of the research in my thesis. I know some of our parents are active and access the beautiful trails we have available to us, but probably many do not. Wouldn’t it be great to have an Odyssey family hike once a month? We could pack in a picnic (or BBQ at the campsite) and get those who may need a little encouragement to come outside and enjoy nature with their children and others.
I’m reprinting below an article that may get families out: hiking, walking, enjoying!!!
Get Children and Families Outside!
The Children & Nature Network designates
April as Children & Nature Awareness Month
SANTA FE, NM – February, 2009 – April is the second annual Children & Nature Awareness Month, a call to action announced by the Children & Nature Network (C&NN) and Chairman Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.
This year, C&NN has two goals: First, to encourage parents to form their own Nature Clubs for Families. And, second, to persuade grandparents and others to do their part to reconnect children and nature. Nature Clubs for Families are local groups with a common interest in connecting children with nature. Each Nature Club is unique, with activities that vary depending on location and participants. The gatherings may include meeting regularly at a park—playing, building friendships, and singing with preschoolers and their parents—or home-schooling families, who go on lengthy walks for focused nature study. Elsewhere, families might enjoy a trail hike that combines kid-driven play with spontaneous nature observation. All share basic goals: Going outside in nature on a frequent basis; gathering children, friends and community members to share outdoor adventures; and experiencing the benefits of time spent together outside.
C&NN has developed a how-to guide: Nature Clubs for Families Tool Kit downloadable at http://www.childrenandnature.org/natureclubs/. TheToolKit includes a Quick Start Guide with simple instructions on how to start a local Nature Club for families, and is filled with field-tested ideas, resources, templates and checklists. Included are first-hand stories and suggestions from Family Nature Club leaders who are already enjoying success.
Today, children are far less likely to spend time playing outside, and a growing body of research says children are paying a high price for that lack. Obesity, inattentiveness, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), diminished creativity and depression are just a few of the problems linked to what Richard Louv has called nature-deficit disorder. “Getting kids outdoors more, riding bikes, running, swimming—and, especially, experiencing nature directly—could serve as an antidote to much of what ails the young,” according to Louv.
Throughout the month of April, C&NN will promote the growing network of individuals, organizations and agencies across the country who are rallying parents, educators, youth leaders, and policy makers to work together to make sure all children have the opportunity to experience frequent, regular play and exploration in natural outdoor environments. The Children & Nature Network now has over 7,000 members, regional leaders and partners across the country and aims to turn this nature deficit around.
Visit the C&NN Web site at www.childrenandnature.org to explore the growing list of events and activities, including county, regional and statewide children and nature proclamations, family hikes and “play days.” Post your own events. You also can visit the Web site to find potential speakers for events you may be sponsoring.
Dear OCS Families. I have read Last Child in the Woods and used some of the research in my thesis. I know some of our parents are active and access the beautiful trails we have available to us, but probably many do not. Wouldn’t it be great to have an Odyssey family hike once a month? We could pack in a picnic (or BBQ at the campsite) and get those who may need a little encouragement to come outside and enjoy nature with their children and others.
I’m reprinting below an article that may get families out: hiking, walking, enjoying!!!
Get Children and Families Outside!
The Children & Nature Network designates
April as Children & Nature Awareness Month
SANTA FE, NM – February, 2009 – April is the second annual Children & Nature Awareness Month, a call to action announced by the Children & Nature Network (C&NN) and Chairman Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.
This year, C&NN has two goals: First, to encourage parents to form their own Nature Clubs for Families. And, second, to persuade grandparents and others to do their part to reconnect children and nature. Nature Clubs for Families are local groups with a common interest in connecting children with nature. Each Nature Club is unique, with activities that vary depending on location and participants. The gatherings may include meeting regularly at a park—playing, building friendships, and singing with preschoolers and their parents—or home-schooling families, who go on lengthy walks for focused nature study. Elsewhere, families might enjoy a trail hike that combines kid-driven play with spontaneous nature observation. All share basic goals: Going outside in nature on a frequent basis; gathering children, friends and community members to share outdoor adventures; and experiencing the benefits of time spent together outside.
C&NN has developed a how-to guide: Nature Clubs for Families Tool Kit downloadable at http://www.childrenandnature.org/natureclubs/. TheToolKit includes a Quick Start Guide with simple instructions on how to start a local Nature Club for families, and is filled with field-tested ideas, resources, templates and checklists. Included are first-hand stories and suggestions from Family Nature Club leaders who are already enjoying success.
Today, children are far less likely to spend time playing outside, and a growing body of research says children are paying a high price for that lack. Obesity, inattentiveness, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), diminished creativity and depression are just a few of the problems linked to what Richard Louv has called nature-deficit disorder. “Getting kids outdoors more, riding bikes, running, swimming—and, especially, experiencing nature directly—could serve as an antidote to much of what ails the young,” according to Louv.
Throughout the month of April, C&NN will promote the growing network of individuals, organizations and agencies across the country who are rallying parents, educators, youth leaders, and policy makers to work together to make sure all children have the opportunity to experience frequent, regular play and exploration in natural outdoor environments. The Children & Nature Network now has over 7,000 members, regional leaders and partners across the country and aims to turn this nature deficit around.
Visit the C&NN Web site at www.childrenandnature.org to explore the growing list of events and activities, including county, regional and statewide children and nature proclamations, family hikes and “play days.” Post your own events. You also can visit the Web site to find potential speakers for events you may be sponsoring.
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