When Learning Comes Naturally
The Child Development Institute at Sarah Lawrence University has just produced a 30 minute film and parent/teacher guide about the educational value of the outdoors. To view a clip visit http://www.slc.edu/adult-professional/cdi/learning/naturally/index.html
Download a copy of the When Learning Comes Naturally Guide for Parents and Teachers (click on bold text for PDF).
“Learning comes naturally when children are thoroughly engaged in
the process, and there is nothing more engaging for children than
outdoor places. Just as most infants and toddlers need be given only
space, exposure, and opportunity to master basic skills like walking
and talking, so too older children supply their own motivation to learn
when conditions are right. In the outdoors, children’s natural curiosity
is activated. Each sense is stimulated, and living things, processes of
change, and mysteries to be solved are all around. As a result, learning
of many kinds unfolds with ease in the moment, and with a spontaneous
excitement about creative exploration that can resonate for a lifetime.”