Innovative Strategies
There
are many strategies being used across the nation, which foster early learning. After
looking at several things I decided to research more on the importance of
incorporating nature into our classrooms. Nature in and of itself opens up a
world of discovery. Children begin exploring and discovering from the time that
they born. Teaching science to the young should be child centered. There should
be more outside time for them to explore. Research has shown that kids how play
outside benefit in all domains of learning: cognitive, socio-emotional, and
physical. They learn how to be creative. They become inquisitive about their
environment.
Nebraska
State Department of Education has partnered with the World Forum-Nature Action Collaborative
for Children (NACC), the Nebraska Nature Action Collaborative for Children
(NeNACC) State Leadership Team and the National Association of Early Childhood
Specialists in State Departments of Education (NAECS-SDE) and initiated the
Call to Action. This forum calls for parents, educators, and community leaders
to help make nature a daily part of children’s learning. To find out more you
can visit: www.worldforumfoundation.org/nature.
With increasing assessment of
children, we have less and less time for outside time. Outsides time has a
stigma attached to it. Even where I work, I hear teachers saying that “all that
class does is play!” This stigma causes teachers to not want to go outside
because then it looks as if he/she is not doing their job. Principals are being
forced to cut down on outside time. On days that we have P.E., classes are not
allowed to go out. For my class, that means twice a week for outside time, if
it doesn’t rain. Children are spending less time connected to nature and more
time playing video games. This disconnect is contributing to the obesity
problem that we have. Children are not getting out and exercising. The Nebraska
Department of Education(2008) states some benefits of playing outside:
·
Children who have nature experiences
are better informed adults and are aware of their practices
·
Children develop a positive idea of
little creatures and bugs
·
Spending time in nature reduces
stress
·
Children who play outside and
explore are more likely to choose science as a field of study
Playing outside are some of my
favorite memories. When I really think about it, I don’t remember playing
inside very much. I had to be creative and make up things to play because there
was usually no one outside with me. I played spies, where I had to draw a plan
of the house. I guess I could have been an architect. I used to catch roly
polies and laugh when they played dead. I used to watch snails with and without
their shells slide across the sidewalk. I played so many make believe things
that I am glad I lived in a time that gave me the opportunity to explore my
world. We need to fight to get this back for our children!
I am friends with people who are younger than I. Their view on
technology and outside play is totally different from my view. They are technology
advocates. This is the way our world is going and they want their child to be
up on the newest and latest programs. They want their children to do everything
on an ipad, such as reading a book. I am not against technology, but we have
got to get our kids moving again! What are your views and thoughts on this
matter?
References
Nebraska Department of Education (2008).
Reconnecting the World’s Children to Nature.
