Tree Climbing

“To climb a tree is for a child to discover a new world” ~Friedrich Froebel I am constantly looking for different ways I can explore nature to strengthen my own ecological identity.  One way I had never explored nature before is through climbing trees. Most children climb trees in their school-age years and if the…

Fabrics Outside?

“Let’s cozy up under a blanket” ~Loveable Quote Have you ever attempted to bring fabric outdoors?  What is it like?  Does it get wet and dirty?  Do you have specific fabrics to bring outside?  What do you do with them?  Do you use them in your early learning practice? When we know the value of…

Looking Closely in Nature

“Look deep into nature and then you will discover everything better” ~Albert Einstein When we spend time in nature, how often do we look closely at our surroundings?  How often are we analyzing what we see? How often do we pick up a leaf and observe it?  Do we think about where it comes from?…

Let’s Play in the Rain

What is your opinion on playing in the rain? In the snow? In the mud? Outdoor play in all conditions has immense health benefits for children.  Randy White and Vicki Stoecklin (1998) recognize the positive physiological and psychological responses humans have in natural environments (p. 3) in all weather conditions.  Having children play outdoors in…

Sit Spot

During my first week of school, I was asked to find a sit spot.  Finding a sit spot is never something I have thought of doing myself which made this an intriguing experience and opportunity. I have seen sit spots used in early learning programs.  Sit spots are often a place children may choose to…