TdebCreations
"Home of ImaginationPlay"
NaturePlay
KinderNature A Resource for Early Childhood Educators with Age-Appropriate activities to use in your programs with young children
"Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv is a must read for anyone working with young children.
"The Children's Club" at WAECE An Environmental Program for Young Children
World Forum on Nature Education for Young Children
What's NEW?
to view a special video on Nature Education. added August 2009
NatureRocks A new site to inspire NaturePlay into your day.
View their Summer 2009 NatureRocks Staycation Guide for some great summer ideas.
Letterboxing Kids is an intriguing pastime combining navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry in a charming "treasure hunt" style outdoor quest. A wide variety of adventures can be found to suit all ages and experience levels.
Free Range Kids, All children have the right to explore nature, as a matter of fact, it is fast-becomming a dire need if we are to survive our futures.
A VIDEO must see! "Cures for Nature Deficit Disorder"
Why Do Child-Care Centers Keep Kids Inside? Good question, don't you think?...Quite an interesting article & research project!
NAEYC Teaching & Learning About The Natural World by Nancy Rosenow pdf.download
NAEYC Childhood In The Garden by John Nimmo & Beth Hallett pdf.download
NAEYC Infants & Toddlers Meet The Natural World by Jolie D. McHenry and kathy J. Buerk pdf.download
DREAMCATCHER : Nature Assisted Therapy Association Alberta pdf.download: Brochure
The Children & Nature Network Ensuring That All Children Can Spend Quality Time Outdoors by Martha Farrell Erickson pdf.download
Pathways To Nature for Kids an initiative from Wild Birds Unlimited *Tdeb Favorite!
Outdoor Nature Child
a "Nature activities for children, as a gateway for children to enter the natural world."
Although we hope to hear everyday is a special day with nature, there are often special dates throughout the year honoring the study of nature;
I hope to compile them here to assist in your curriculum planning throughout the year. Preschool represents a perfect opportunity for introducing children/families to special interests. In doing so, you are inspiring others to share in the multitude of values and pleasures nature has to offer.
*If you would like to share your calendar dates, please leave a message in my guestbook and I shall be happy to add it: Nature Hugs, Tdeb:)
"If you make the study of nature
a family-affair...
you will instill a life-long love
of learning and appreciation
into a nature-affair!"
~Tdeb
May 22, 2009 is BioDiversity Day
See CWF Canadian Wildlife Federation for more information.
NaturePlay: Videos/Films
Children and Nature: Awakening a Sense of Wonder View online 26 minutes: free!
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"New" "The Alliance for Childhood promotes policies and practices that support children’s healthy development, love of learning, and joy in living." Please join me in celebrating this new project brought to you by the Alliance for Childhood: "This new 55-minute PBS documentary, produced by Michigan Television, is now available for public screenings by schools, universities, and community organizations. The brainchild of Elizabeth Goodenough, the film examines the social and technological trends that conspire to rob children of their birthright: time and opportunity for unstructured, spontaneous play, especially outdoors in nature." |
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“Where Do The Children Play” A PBS Television Documentary This film is for everyone! You have got to see and share the experiences this insightful piece of work represents; hear and feel the inspiring and crucial messages! It is a reminder of what was fortunate of my childhood as a ‘baby-boomer’. It is an eye opener to those of the younger generation or those who have grown up in the city without the toys of nature as the essence of their daily learning experiences. The messages revealed bring to mind the needs of our very existence. One might think this a harsh statement; however, we must consider: Nature is a vital necessity to our place in this world. If we are to raise a generation with little or no appreciation for it, we are doomed on this planet. Our children are our futures and our futures depend on them ~ you bet we need to ensure they grow up with a love and respect for nature! I recently attended a video conference by Dr. Bruce Perry. He said, “We are not programmed for this modern world”. I associated it is vital that we inspire a generation to postpone our technological woes however important they have become in our daily lives and get back to nature. Consider, the secrets that nature bestows hold the secrets to true happiness. Dr. Bruce Perry also said, “We are neglecting our biological gifts”. Consider, it is vital that we reconnect not only with nature but with ourselves as a collective species, as we were meant to be: nurturing relationships should be the order of the day. “Where Do The Children Play?” is yet another important communication of what is growing overwhelmingly important in our society today. When you view this film, you will be enlightened to the reality of our existence as individuals and as a whole. You will also realize the tools essential are actually free, at our very fingertips if we just choose to open our hearts and minds to our natural world. Let nature reveal its splendor & wisdom!
Let the children play ~ make everyday, earth day. In Harmony…Deborah Evans, Early Childhood Educator If you live in the area, contact Tdeb for a prescreening of “Where The Children Play”. This film is due for public release on PBS later in 2008. By taking the time now to prescreen you can help to plant seeds of success getting this important message out to others. Thank you in advance for your interest and concern. Please also visit: Alliance for Childhood www.allianceforchildhood.org Dr. Bruce Perry http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/bruceperry/index.htm |
NaturePlay: Resources
The Children & Nature Network Building a Movement to Reconnect Children and Nature
See: Environmental Education Program, previously called The Children's Club. Program is free but a registration is required.
Empowering people to take action for humans, animals and the environment in their community.
Encouraging the appreciation, observation, study, conservation and protection of all components of the natural world. Mission: Nature Calgary
Center for the Creative Expression of Spirit
NEW! Take a FREE Nature eCourse...
Visit Nature Skills.com now to enroll!
NaturePlay: Inspiring Books!
"Nature for the Very Young: A Handbook of Indoor and Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers", Marcia Bowden,John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. (May 1989), ISBN: 047162084X Note: While this book has been around for quite some time, it is still an excellent resource book to put nature into your program and great news, it is being reprinted! A Tdeb resource favorite!
"Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv is a must read for anyone working with young children.
"Small Wonders: Nature Education for Young Children" by: VINS An inspirational read and resource book for adults working with young children to explore & discover the natural world around them creating a life-long love for nature education that I believe, we as teachers have a great responsibility to provide. A Tdeb resource favorite!
The Acorn Naturalists share a great selection of nature books, activities & puppets for children & adults. Activity Books and Resources for Ages 3-9 and more!
NaturePlay: Inspiring Articles!
PARENT TO PARENT: "Plant your kids outside and watch'em grow!" by Heidi Stevens
Making the Most of Outdoor Time With Preschool Children
World Forum on ECE: Report on Collected Ideas by Dana Friedman
World Forum for ECE: Our Collective Dreams for the Working Forum on Nature Education for Young Children...and Beyond
World Forum for ECE: Nature Education for Young Children: Connecting the World's Children with Nature. (Swati Popat's slideshow)
Mother Earth is a very special site where you can connect/reconnect to nature in a heartfelt way through the words and passions of a very special man: John Caddy, Poet, Naturalist & Teacher . His words will simply sweep you away. ENJOY!
NEW! Read/Submit a Short Story About Nature:
Stories, poems, photos, art and more...Visit Nature Skills .com
NaturePlay: Outdoor Learning Play Environments
Planet Earth Playscapes Wonderful ideas with photos of how you can make your learning grounds rich with learning experiences!
20 Ways to Create Play Environments for the Soul by Rusty Keeler
Play Environments for the Soul by Rusty Keeler
25 Ways to Improve your Outdoor Space by Jim Greenman
"Kids Don't Need Equipment, They Need Opportunity" By Ellen Ruppel Shell
Magical Playscapes by Joe Frost and James Talbot
National Wildlife Federation Outside in Nature
NaturePlay: Environment
You owe it to yourself and your future to see the movie,
Simply said,
It will be the best decision you have made in your life,
next to what path you choose to follow after seeing the film.
Don't delay, time is of the essence!
We CAN do it!
Save the EARTH!
NaturePlay: Days of special recognition
Celebrate National Wildlife Week! April 8 to 14, 2007
Oceans Day! June 8th 2006
National Arbor Day! April 27, 2007
April 2008 1st C&NN’s Children & Nature Awareness Month:The Start of a New Tradition
Every day should be EARTH DAY! TODAY!
Take a Child Outside Week Visit here!
September 24—September 30, 2007
NaturePlay: Trees
Tree Activities to do with Children:
Pratt Educational Resources ... First School ... A to Z Teachers Stuff
NaturePlay: Wildlife
Hinterland Who's Who? This is where you’ll find in-depth descriptions of wildlife, discussions on issues, actions that you can take to help wildlife, and educational materials that teachers and group leaders can use.
NaturePlay: Through Finger~PLAY
Favorites from friends of nature...
The Mud Puddle (By Barrie Teague Alguire)
Here’s a great big mud puddle. (Make a circle with your arms)
I walk around it. (Show fingers walking around the imaginary puddle)
I touch it with my finger. (Mime touching)
I scoop up a glop (Mime scooping)
And squeeze it through my fingers. (Mime squeezing)
Then I take off my shoes (Pluck at your “walking” fingers as if removing shoes)
And jump right in! (Jump your fingers into the imaginary puddle, or jump with your whole body)
Planting Time (By Barrie Teague Alguire)
First you dig a hole in the dirt. (Make digging motions)
Then you put in a seed. (Mime dropping in a seed)
You cover it up. (Make covering motions)
You water it. (Indicate pouring as from a watering can)
And … watch it grow. (Let your right hand slide up from behind your left hand to show a plant emerging from the ground)
The Mole (By Barrie Teague Alguire)
There was a little mole (Hold your right hand up in a shape like a duck about to quack)
Who lived under the ground. (Hold your left arm horizontal chest high, with right hand below it)
He dug a tunnel, (Make digging motions with your right hand and move it slightly left)
And dug a tunnel, (Repeat the digging motions and move it slightly right)
Popped up, (Raise your right hand quickly above your left arm)
And looked around. (Rotate your right hand back and forth as if looking around)
“Too bright!” he said, (Make a face, shake your right hand vigorously in a negative reaction)
And he popped back down. (Return your right hand quickly to below your left arm)
You can find more from Barrie HERE!
Redbirds (Traditional)
Here are the redbirds, (wiggle your fingers)
Fa-la-la-la-la (sing song voice)
Here are the redbirds, (wiggle your fingers)
Watch them fly away. (move your hands away from your body)
Repeat with other birds, including blackbirds, bluebirds, yellowbirds, etc.
“Fireflies” in Too Many Rabbits and Other Fingerplays About Animals, Nature, Weather, and the Universe by Kay Cooper.
Home Sweet Home
A nest is a home for a robin; (cup hands to form a nest)
A hive is a home for a bee; (turn cupped hands over)
A hole is a home for a rabbit; (make a hole with hands)
And a house is a home for me. (make roof with peaked hands)
[Note: If these animals are not common in your geographic area, substitute other animals that are. Consider other types of people homes as well. Also, encourage children to help lengthen the poem by adding more animals and homes to make additional verses.]
Source: NNCC
My Garden
This is my garden; (extend one hand forward, palm up)
I'll rake it with care, (make raking motion on palm with three fingers of other hand)
And then some flower seeds (planting motion)
The sun will shine (make circle with hands)
And the rain will fall, (let fingers flutter down to lap)
And my garden will blossom (cup hands together; extend upward slowly)
And grow straight and tall.
Source: Challkboard
