Today's children are suffering from nature deficit disorder (NDD) as they spend less time outdoors than any previous generation. Nature play gives children opportunities to take risks, explore, enhance motor skills and expand on developing cognitive, social and language skills. Incorporating nature play can improve learning, enhance engagement and foster a sense of place with children. This seminar will give participants many accessible ideas and activities to integrate nature play, indoors and outdoors, in every season.
After attending this seminar participants will be able to:
•Reflect on classroom/program environments and use existing outdoor elements to develop nature play experiences
•Develop activities for children to engage in free play, exploration and activities that connect them to nature
•Foster connections to nature that will help children become stewards of the environment
•Use natural "loose parts" to enhance imagination and creativity
This seminar is appropriate for:
•Head Start Teachers
•4K Teachers
•Childcare Providers
•K-2nd Grade Teachers
•Anyone who works with children
