Sunday, July 26, 2009

inspiration

What fun! Friday I co-taught a class on Project Learning Tree's early childhood section...there were 25 teachers! Including my former ECFE teacher. Exciting to see so many educators committed to getting kids outside. We chatted about barriers to participation (sadly, the number one barrier these educators cited was parents who don't want their kids playing outside!), creative ideas for bringing nature indoors, and the many, many benefits of getting kids outside: healthier kids who develop a lifelong connection to the outdoors.....what more could we want?

The class was held at Maplewood Nature Center, where they are in the process of installing an early-childhood focused "natural play" area, complete with a kid-sized footbridge, stepping stones, boulders to climb on, and charming nooks and hiding places off a short wooded path. It's a long drive, but well worth the trip.

Off to celebrate L's birthday today at her grandma's house.

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