Articles
The following articles and research studies are recommended by Children, Nature and You as being helpful when people of influence need “proof of evidence” that connecting children to nature is more than just a “nice thing to do”.
What are the consequences of a childhood removed from nature?
At a time when children play more behind screens than outside, PLAY AGAIN explores the changing balance between the virtual and natural worlds. Is our connection to nature disappearing down the digital rabbit hole?
This documentary follows six teenagers who, like the average American child, spend five to fifteen hours a day behind screens. PLAY AGAIN unplugs these teens and takes them on their first wilderness adventure no electricity, no cell phone coverage, no virtual reality.
What are we missing when we are behind screens? How does this impact our childrens well being, our society and the very future of our planet?
Through the voices of children and leading experts like Richard Louv, Juliet Schor, Bill McKibben, Gary Small and David Suzuki, PLAY AGAIN introduces new perspectives and encourages action for a sustainable future.
click here to see the trailor for the documentary.
First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Campaign
In February, First Lady Michelle Obama launched the Let's Move! campaign to solve the childhood obesity epidemic within one generation. On May 11th, the Presidentially-mandated White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity released its action plan to solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation. The report reflects input from 12 federal agencies as well as the 2,500 submissions from parents, teachers, doctors, nurses and others. Nearly 70 recommendations are outlined in the report for the federal government, the private sector, state and local leaders, and parents to improve the health of our children. read more
Babies Know: A Little Dirt Is Good for You
In studies of what is called the hygiene hypothesis, researchers are concluding that organisms like the millions of bacteria, viruses and especially worms that enter the body along with "dirt" spur the development of a healthy immune system... read more
Inspiring the Next Generation of Fisheries and Wildlife Professionals
As any Fisheries and Wildlife student why they chose to be in this field and many will tell you that their passion for the outdoors stemmed from their early childhood experiences... read more click on the PDF Issue 6, Spring 2010.
"Young Children's Relationship with Nature: Its Importance to Children's Development & the Earth's Future"
Randy White, White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group.
"The Benefits of Play, Time for Play, Every Day: It's Fun - and Fundamental"
The Alliance For Childhood
"Developing an Earth-bound Culture Through Design of Childhood Habitats"
Robin C. Moore and Nilda G. Cosco, Department of Landscape Architecture, NC State University
"Teaching and Learning in Nature: Let’s Go Outside"
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
"The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds"
Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, MSEd, and the Committee on Communications and the Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, American Academy of Pediatrics.
"Children's Outdoor Play & Learning Environments: Returning to Nature"
By Randy White & Vicki Stoecklin, White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group
www.childrennatureandyou.org
"Importance of Play"
Click here to download PDF
