Enriching the lives of children by working with the adults who

affect their lives - parents, caregivers, and educators.

 
 
 

 

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"Only as a child's awareness and reverence for the wholeness of life are developed can his humanity to his own kind reach its full development." Rachel Carson, Edge of the Sea

Make a Commitment to take action to strengthen children’s connection to nature- making developmentally appropriate nature education a sustaining and enriching, fully integrated part of the daily lives and education of the world’s children.

We do know that reconnecting babies, toddlers and young children to the natural world:

  • Is crucial for their optimal intellectual and physical development;
  • Provides a sense of refuge and healing in a somewhat violent and frightening world;
  • Helps them grow into adults who care about environmental stewardship; and
  • Nurtures a sense of shared community among the world’s peoples.  (Nature Action Collaborative for Children, 2007)

Re-connecting children to nature can be as simple an experience in the natural world as helping to plant a roof top garden, listening to the sounds of nature all around us, or playing outside in freshly fallen snow.  Unfortunately, even in the beautiful environment we live in here in the Black Hills that connection with nature is slipping away from many of us – and especially our children.  Join a call to action that beckons educators, families and leaders world wide to take action: www.worldforumfoundation.org/nature

More Nature Resources:

Eco-Healthy Child Care Checklist (pdf document): http://www.sehn.org/pdf/EHCC_ChecklistFINAL.pdf

http://www.childrennatureandyou.org/index.html

http://www.dimensionsfoundation.org/index.cfm

http://www.sd-discovery.com/EECSD/Welcome.html

http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Education/NoChild.html

S a v e   T h e   D a t e

7th Annual Early Childhood Training Expo

Children: Our Most Treasured Natural Resources

Saturday, October 11, 2008

8 am to 1 pm

Spearfish Holiday Inn

Break-Out Session Topics:

  • Infants and Toddlers in the Natural World
  • Natural Musical Instruments
  • Project WILD
  • Nature Nurtures Learning
  • Environmental Value to Social and Emotional Wellness
  • Gardening

Registration required no later than Friday,

October 3, 2008

Call 342-6464 or E-mail:

dhilt@rushmore.com

Please note: Break-out sessions are tentative and will be finalized close to the expo date. Look here for finalized expo break-out topics soon