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(Unit 7) Topic 4: Children and Nature

1 Clock Hour of Early Childhood Education

Unit 7 Topic 4 Agenda:

​Topic 4 Page 1

1. Unit 7 Topic 4 * Children and Nature * Agenda
2. ​How Lifestyle Affects Children and Nature​
3. Children and Nature Now
4. The Children & Nature Movement
5. Kids and Outdoor Play: Tips for Parents
6. What is Nature Deficit?
7. Possible Health Effects
8. Outdoor Environments
9. Nature in the Classroom
10. Classroom Environment 
11. The Outdoor Classroom
12. Natural Playscape
13. Playing Outside in Cool Weather​
14. End of Topic 4 Assessment Quiz

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• Unit 7 Synopsis and Checklist

Topic 4 Course Description:
1 Clock Hour
CDA Settings:

• Infant/Toddler
• Preschool
• Family Child Care (Mixed-Age)

New research actually shows that nature is essential for the brain. Even fleeting exposures to natural settings outside the windows can improve brain performance. One study demonstrates that just looking at a natural scene can improve scores on tests of attention and memory. Nature also has a calming effect on the brain. It can catch our attention without overloading our brain. Allowing children the time to nurture a connection with nature, we are granting them the freedom to develop intrinsic motivation - the ability to recognize what it is they want and to develop the desire and focus to achieve their goals. The experience of children and nature has to be part of daily life--the opportunity not only for playing in green space, but also the opportunity for being alone, having the chance to daydream, to wonder, to just be there.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the growing concern regarding children’s lack of engagement with nature and the possible fear of nature by family members. 
• Identify the negative health consequences that can result from the lack of children’s’ contact with nature.
• Identify the physical, social, and psychological impacts of nature on child development.
• Gain an understanding of the importance of nature play to the healthy development of the young child. 
• Become knowledgeable about and gain skills in developing and facilitating nature play experiences. 
• Identify ways to create a nature play environment indoors and outdoors to support the need for children to connect with the natural world. 

**  A special thank you to Debra Hasbrook, M.Ed., for developing the curriculum for this topic. ** 

TRAINING REFERENCES

(Unit 7) Topic 4: Children and Nature * Navigation Menu