Transforming Environments, Transforming Behavior

Now, more than ever, children (and adults) can benefit from the healing power of nature. To meet a need many of you are asking about, we have worked collaboratively with our Nature Explore team (part of Dimensions Foundation, just like Exchange is) to create some new Exchange Reflections focused on nature.

In “Arts and Nature,” which centers around an article by Julie Rose and Chris Kiewra, we invite you to ask what “the arts” really mean, and how connecting with the natural world can enhance children’s understandings and appreciations of that enriching and nurturing part of life.

In “To Save or Savor,” we used an article by Ruth Wilson as a conversation starter about what sustainability education in the early years is, could be or should be. We think this is an important conversation, and hope you will enjoy thinking carefully on your own or with others.

In “Transforming Outdoor Environments, Transforming Behavior,” an article by Julie Bookwalter and Veronika Vicqueneau provides the basis for reflections on how natural outdoor classrooms could transform how we think about and respond to children’s behavior. In the article, the authors quote Claire Warden, a well-known pioneer in the children and nature movement as saying: “Children tell us what they need and want, we have to train ourselves to listen and take note.”

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

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