The body of evidence keeps growing; nature is good for children and really good for the brain! Spending time in nature is essential for children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. As play and learning have moved indoors and increased time is spent on devices, children are missing out on reaping the benefits of time spent in and with nature. This is especially true for young children birth to five years of age who are in their formative brain development years. More than 75% of kids under 2 and 64% of kids between the ages of 2 and 5 exceed the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for one hour of screen time per day for children 2 to 5 years. While at the same time research is showing that American children are spending less than 10 minutes in unstructured outdoor play each day. Technology is surely here to stay in the lives of young children. At the same time know the rapid brain development that occurs during early childhood years. Young children learn best by interacting with caring people and the world around them. In this workshop participants will have the opportunity to learn firsthand ways to experience our outdoors spaces more fully while also learning how to enhance indoor settings by incorporating natural elements and nature topics. We’ll explore the influence time in nature has on development and how using natural elements can impact and enhance problem-solving, thinking skills and social competence. Caregivers of young children are the gatekeepers to nature-based interactions. Let's open those gates.... Please join us for this awe-inspiring session.
By participating in this workshop participants will:
- Learn some of the research findings examining the effects that nature has on the developing brain.
- Identify why nature is good for children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.
- Discuss the ways in which we can provide a balance between technology and nature experiences for young children.
- Brainstorm the ways in which information presented can be used to enhance interactions and experiences in a variety of settings.
- Experience nature-based activities firsthand.
This workshop will take place at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL in the Sycamore Room.
There will be a 1-hour lunch break. You may bring your lunch, or purchase food in the Visitor Center.
Admission and parking are included with this workshop and you are free to tour the grounds on your own after workshop completion.
Gateways Topic: Early Science
Gateways Content Areas: (A) Human Growth and Development
Gateways CDA Content Areas: (2) Physical/Intellectual