Hatchey and Butler (2009), explored a plethora of evidence indicating that contact with nature is as important to children as good nutrition and adequate sleep, therefore, educators need to address children's access to nature. The need to explore and learn through nature is particularly important in urban areas, where children have few opportunities to interact with nature. Academic, social, and health-related domains support children's development through nature-based curriculum. The National Research Council states, "Because plants are especially easy to grow and care for, students at every grade level should be involved with gardening projects, using outside space, window boxes, or potted plants." What are schools in your urban setting doing to incorporate nature in learning?
URL: http://www.naeyc.org/yc/pastissues/2009/November
I have been seeing more and more schools incorporating gardens in their playyard and allowing the children to help take care of them. One of the colleges also has an outreach person who will come out to centers to teach them how to plant a garden and provides seeds for gardening. This is a nice addition to the children's learning, especially here in Las Vegas where there isn't a lot of greenery.
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