Critical issues children are facing VS. The benefits of the outdoor classroom

These are the seven most critical issues facing children:

1. Lack of exercise

2. Preoccupation with electronic media

3. Perception of outdoors as an unsafe place to play

4. Isolation from and fear of nature

5. Lack of engagement in and connection to the world, including nature

6. Reductive approaches to ECE

7. Epidemic use of behavior-modifying drugs on young children

The Outdoor Classroom helps to restore the traditional benefits of childhood while addressing these challenges:

1. Getting children outside and more active

2. Involving children in hands-on, loose-parts outdoor play

3. Creating opportunities to learn how to handle outdoor risks safely

4. Connecting children to nature in ways that encourage them to connect more deeply

5. Teaching children about cause and effect through outdoor and interpersonal activities

6. Providing children with a wide range of activities that support their holistic development

http://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/2013/what-is-the-outdoor-classroom

I created a Pinterest board to document my learning about different aspects of outdoor classrooms, where some are located, how they are built, the benefits to children and the community, just for myself to get a better understanding of the topic and its attributes. Here are pictures of some of the pins that I have added to my Pinterest board Nature and the Outdoor Classroom.

Here is the link to my Pinterest board on Nature and Outdoor Classrooms. Please feel free to check out my other boards as well.

http://www.pinterest.com/haileydulberg/nature-and-outdoor-classrooms/