It's Our Nature

The world has changed since my youth. The change represents a culture shift as all things evolve and advance over time. All change is not for the better. Some changes appear beneficial but take a small toll on the quality of life. In society today, adults and children have changed their connection with nature, a transformation that could have adverse effects on our existence. 

A growing majority of people in our country have lost their connection to nature. On TV, nature is a place with dangerous animals roaming our world. In nature, there is extreme weather, poisonous plants, hazardous rocks, etc. Animals, weather, and plants have always existed. People in the past interacted with nature. They grew and caught food, created shelter, and earned an income from nature. Back then, spiritual life was in connection with nature. Today our relationship with nature has changed in significant ways.

Today's popular activities involve being inside a car, house, restaurant, or gym. Being in front of a screen takes up large chunks of our time. People drive a few blocks to school, the local store, and a friend's house instead of walking to avoid nature. People stay indoors because the environment is too hot, cold, dangerous, hilly, etc. Moving around our neighborhood is an everyday activity of the past. 

How can we encourage our community to re-connect with nature? How can early childhood educators lead the way and bring folks back to nature? 

In Early Childhood Education, one movement can help our communities and country regain our connection to nature. The forest school movement is a growing part of our field. Forest schools are primary and elementary schools that educate in the forest. This type of school started in Europe in the 1950s. Many great schools exist in that part of the world today. In the U.S., forest schools have existed in small batches and specific parts of the country since the twentieth century. Places where living connects to nature and is an essential part of life. The forest school movement has infiltrated the mainstream, creating opportunities for all.

A forest school can create a new generation of children who reclaim their connection to the outdoors by teaching in nature. Children that grow up with an appreciation of nature. A connection to nature that passes on to their children. The forest school movement is an opportunity to show that the outdoors has more to offer than something to fear. We can learn to appreciate what nature provides to humanity. 

Educators working in forest schools share stories about learning with children. Many great schools share beautiful stories on their websites that showcase the opportunities presented to children in the forest. Sharing stories of how children and educators connect to nature will help create new connections to the outdoors.

What part of your program invites children to connect with nature?

What additions to your program will increase the opportunities for children to connect to nature?