When I go back and stay with my Grandparents my Grandfather will tell me stories about his own childhood.  He remembers the golden rule in their home, no one eats until all the animals are fed.  When the chores were finished there was always a hot breakfast ready for them which included eggs, bacon and fresh bread (basically what was readily available from the farm); and once finished you better not waist any time as you were expected to walk to school.  I love listening to his stories and more importantly, I want my children to hear them.  Society today has changed drastically since those days but there is so many lessons in the way my Grandfather was raised that should be applied today.

When my husband and I were kids we were always outside and to make sure we got our chores done or lessons finished our parents would hold over our heads “there’s no playing outside until your work is done”.  That was the best motivator in the world, no one wanted to be told they had to stay inside.  In fact, I can remember sneaking out the window to get outdoors after being grounded in the house for the weekend.    As a child no one had to tell me to go play outside; being out in nature was  part of our every day lives.  Unfortunately, times have changed and there are some families that don’t know how to introduce ~Nature into their kids lives and that’s what brings me to this article. 

This Christmas I was given the book  I love dirt !  Written by Jennifer Ward.  The foreword presented by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods,made such an impact on me.  He speaks how to days families regard Nature as separate from our everyday lives.   Families recreational activities are more and more done indoors (Wii, TV and computers) have replaced riding bikes, hiking and imaginary play.    Richard Louv reports that from 2000-2004 sales for bikes fell 21% and antidepressants prescribed to children have doubled in the last five years.  He writes in his book that  :many children today have tunnel sensses  and feelings of isolation and containment.  The best prescription available for our children that is free, is playing outside.  Study after study will tell you that for a child to have a healthy childhood development that being outside is essential.  ~Nature helps every one’s  (adult and children) mental and physical health. 

In 2005 the California Department of Education found that  students in school that had nature immersion programs performed 27% higher in science testing than kids who were educated in traditional class setting.  Take a look at your schools surrounding environment, I bet you will find that there is only a parking lot and residential neighborhood.  When I grew up our school was surrounded by woods that incorporated paths and we had outdoor classroom area that gave the teachers options to hold their classes outside. 

Jennifer Ward’s book, I love Dirt  gives you the ideas needed for busy parents and this book can be a great gift for your child’s teachers and if you go to her web page www.jenniferwardbooks.com has supported material that will help lessons if using any of her books.  If you need an idea for summer she has 12 different activities. 

I love her activity called Moon Shadows found on page 72, not only does she give you activities you can enjoy with your children but some history to share with them as well.  In total there are 52 open-ended activities to help you engage your child in the outdoors.  No mater what your location-from wide-open meadows of the country to a small patch of green grass in the city.  You will have activities that will help you promote exploration, stimulate their imagination and heighten your child’s senses. 

Don’t stop with this book, look in your own newspaper to find out what activities are being promoted in your area.  Were going to see an Ice winter wonderland next weekend, tell me some of your plans you have !!!!