“A growing body of literature indicates that humans need contact with nature for their well-being, however at the same time young children are becoming increasingly separated from the natural world as their access to the outdoors diminishes” (Dowdell, Gray & Malone, 2011).
Here are our nature made young explorers:
Mud Play:
Sticks, Stones and Pinecones:
Foraging for berries, Hunting in the plants and Exploring with our hands:
Sand and Moat Making:
Creatures:
Creating with Natural Materials:
References
Dowdell, K., Gray, T., & Malone, K. (2011). Nature and its influence on
children’s outdoor play. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, 15,
24-35.
Suggested Readings:
1. Nature and young children: Encouraging creative play and learning in natural environments by: Ruth Wilson, 2007
2. Nature and its Influence on Children's Outdoor Play by: Kellie Dowdell, Tonia Gray, and Karen Malone.
3. NAEYC’s Where Can We Explore Nature? Everywhere! by: Donna Satterlee, Grace Cormons, and Matt Cormons
4. NAEYC’s Mud: Explore and Learn
5. NAEYC’s Tuning Out to Tune In: How Time Outside Can Improve Readiness to Learn Inside by: Andrea Laser