It’s summertime, and that usually means more time outdoors. But in today’s world, it seems that “outdoor time” has come to mean “playground time.” I remember reading Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods, and being reminded that there is a difference between “outdoor time with nature” and “outdoor time with slides and swings.”
In his book, Louv helped us understand the important benefits of outdoor play in nature. He also wrote about what happens when children don’t have that kind of free time to explore, discover and just “hang out” in natural surroundings. He coined the term “nature-deficit disorder,” and he believes that it’s responsible for obesity, attention disorders and depression. His perspective has helped many of us in early childhood look for ways to encourage nature-based outdoor time.
Transition Times
February 2024: The other day in the dentist's office, I found myself quoting a Fred song - "I like to be told." I was thanking the hygienist for letting me know what to expect, each step of the way. As Fred sang, "It helps me to get ready for all those things that are new...I trust you more and more..."
January 2024: We live in a world where we've come to expect instant gratification. We expect immediate answers to our emails. We expect next-day deliveries for our online orders. We expect our microwaved food to be ready in seconds. No wonder we get upset when we have to wait.
A Special Gift for Mr. McFeely...and messages for us all
December 2023: This month the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is giving a special gift to our very own "Speedy Delivery," David Newell, whom we all know as "Mr. McFeely." We're proud to announce that David will be inducted into the National Academy's Gold Circle at the Emmy's Children and Family...
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