More Green Time, Less Screen Time
More time outside for healthier, happier, better balance children and societies.
Last Child In The Woods http://richardlouv.com/books/last-child/
For kids with ADHD, regular 'green time' is linked to milder symptoms
A study of more than 400 children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has found a link between the children's routine play settings and the severity of their symptoms, researchers report. Those who regularly play in outdoor settings with lots of green (grass and trees, for example) have milder ADHD symptoms than those who play indoors or in built outdoor environments, the researchers found. The association holds even when the researchers controlled for income and other variables.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915113749.htm
Children discovering their world in interest-led flow based activities.
Today children often are shuttled from one educational activity to the next with less and less time for personal growth and exploration that leads to deep knowledge and self-regulation. Mini lessons in science will still exist but will generally be based on discoveries and observations.
During the last 30 years, the amount of children's free time has declined in favor of more structured activities. For example, between 1981-1997, unstructured outdoor activities fell by 50%.
Research shows that children are spending half as much time outside as they did 20 years ago – and much more time doing "inside" activities. Study: Juster, F. Thomas et al. (2004). "Changing Times of American Youth: 1981-2003", Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan. Child Development Supplement
Study: Hofferth, Sandra and John Sandberg (1999), "Changes in American Children's Time, 1981-1997," University of Michigan Institute for Social Research.
Fox in the Forest is most strongly influenced by Erin Kenny and Cedarsong Nature School, where I completed my Forest Kindergarten Teacher Training. Spending time with her teachers and students enabled me to see how children learn and problem solve through play and how to be aware of and respond to children's unvoiced needs. The ecosystem supports both the forest, the kids who climb the trees today, and the skills and interest to protect the forest in the future.
Vashon Island Forest School - Cedarsong Nature School
Forest Schools - International
Last Child In The Woods http://richardlouv.com/books/last-child/
For kids with ADHD, regular 'green time' is linked to milder symptoms
A study of more than 400 children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has found a link between the children's routine play settings and the severity of their symptoms, researchers report. Those who regularly play in outdoor settings with lots of green (grass and trees, for example) have milder ADHD symptoms than those who play indoors or in built outdoor environments, the researchers found. The association holds even when the researchers controlled for income and other variables.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915113749.htm
Children discovering their world in interest-led flow based activities.
Today children often are shuttled from one educational activity to the next with less and less time for personal growth and exploration that leads to deep knowledge and self-regulation. Mini lessons in science will still exist but will generally be based on discoveries and observations.
During the last 30 years, the amount of children's free time has declined in favor of more structured activities. For example, between 1981-1997, unstructured outdoor activities fell by 50%.
Research shows that children are spending half as much time outside as they did 20 years ago – and much more time doing "inside" activities. Study: Juster, F. Thomas et al. (2004). "Changing Times of American Youth: 1981-2003", Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan. Child Development Supplement
Study: Hofferth, Sandra and John Sandberg (1999), "Changes in American Children's Time, 1981-1997," University of Michigan Institute for Social Research.
Fox in the Forest is most strongly influenced by Erin Kenny and Cedarsong Nature School, where I completed my Forest Kindergarten Teacher Training. Spending time with her teachers and students enabled me to see how children learn and problem solve through play and how to be aware of and respond to children's unvoiced needs. The ecosystem supports both the forest, the kids who climb the trees today, and the skills and interest to protect the forest in the future.
Vashon Island Forest School - Cedarsong Nature School
Forest Schools - International