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“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning.
But for children, play IS serious learning.
Play is really the work of childhood.”
~ Fred Rogers
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Research shows that playing outdoors offers benefits that are not possible indoors.
However, it can be challenging to figure out how to make more nature play possible. We hope this newsletter can help!
This newsletter offers actionable ideas, resources, and research that supports child-led play and nature connection for educators and families in ELRCs 8, 9 and 10.
If you're ready to embrace more play and nature in your program, consider the free coaching and professional development that Community Connections for Children offers early learning providers in ELRCs 8, 9, and 10.
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"Does your classroom have a consistent routine or a rigid schedule?" with Deb Lawrence and Lisa Murphy | As a follow up to last month's topic on program structure, we are sharing a "Porch Play Chat" with Deb Lawrence and Author Lisa Murphy. They discuss how consistent routines make children feel safe, predict what comes next in the day, reinforce expectations, build confidence and self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and helps build wonderful daily rituals that children look forward to. It may make you ask yourself, "Am I being controlled by the clock?" | | | |
Dressing for Autumn Weather | |
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Autumn is officially here! As you're adjusting your schedule to allow for more time outside, you may run into another barrier: children not coming to school with the right clothing for the season. Help families by sending a list of clothing suggestions for extended outdoor time, including any "extras" to keep at school as the weather changes frequently in the fall.
When temperatures range between 50-70 degrees, children should be prepared as follows:
- Clothing that is appropriate for the forecast (shorts are fine, as are short sleeve shirts if the weather is warm enough). We all know that there can be temperature fluctuations in the fall, even in a single day, so it is a good idea to dress in layers.
- Send a sweater, a sweatshirt, or a fleece in case it gets chilly.
- Closed-toed shoes with good traction for running, jumping, and climbing. (You may want to consider rain boots.)
- Hats and mittens will help to keep children warm in the shade, and if it is windy.
-From Neighborhood Cooperative Nursery School
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Addressing Parents' Concerns about Play-Based Learning - Wunderled | Parents and families are the backbones of our programs, and while your program may be on board for all things play-based learning, how do you respond to parents who are not? Or maybe you're a parent who supports it but know others who do not, and you'd like to pull them on board. Read on for expert tips for addressing parents' concerns about play-based learning, answering their questions, and feeling confident with your practice. | | | |
Free Guidebook: Quality Outdoor Play Environments | The guidebook, meant to help you in your mission to support children's healthy play and development, is the result of 20 years of work with educators, administrators, parents, children, design and landscape professionals, municipal staff, and volunteers. Simply complete the Form to receive your FREE copy. Filled with photos and how-to's, this guidebook will walk you through all aspects of designing an outdoor play environment, from a conceptual idea to installation and beyond. | | | |
From Trust for Learning, Nurturing All Children in Nature: Ideal Learning in the Natural World | |
Discover the power of nature-based learning in publicly-funded early childhood programs and practical ways to re-connect all children and families to ideal learning environments in the natural world. (A great resource for private programs as well.)
Free book: Nurturing All Children in Nature: Ideal Learning in the Natural World
This report outlines the short- and long-term benefits of connecting children to nature and demonstrates the possibility of change through small and large modifications in any setting. It includes research-based best practices, practical examples, and highlights systemic issues that need to be addressed through policy.
Free webinar: Early Efforts: Promoting Nature Based Learning in the Early Years
Co-hosted by Trust for Learning and the Hunt Institute, the discussion explored nature-based learning approaches and the short- and long-term benefits of outdoor learning opportunities on children’s growth and development.
Free Promotion Toolkit
Immerse yourself in the world of nature-based learning and join Trust for Learning in advocating for equitable access to nature-based early learning environments by using their social media toolkit.
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Access our Nature-Based Play Resource List on the Keystone Kids Go website. | |
Check out the "Inspiring Nature-Based Early Learning" webinar here. This training counts for 1 hour of PQAS PD (and can count toward STARS indicator EC 3.4.6). | |
Our Favorite E-Newsletters and Blogs | |
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Have you embraced play and/or nature in your program?
We'd love to hear from you!
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Your ideas, successes and creativity in overcoming some of the
barriers that limit how much children play and experience nature
can help others believe they can make these changes, too.
Please consider sharing your story (or questions/ideas) with us in the link below. If your story is selected, we will feature your program in an upcoming issue.
Your work will then help inspire others!
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Looking for more information?
Technical Assistance Coach Elizabeth Marcello and Outdoor Learning & Play Consultant Susan Chlebowski can partner with you to provide center-based or individual classroom coaching and professional development in the topics of play-based learning, nature-based learning, classroom management and challenging behavior support, or innovative solutions to barriers. Complete a "Consultation Request" through your PD Registry Organization Page's Keystone STARS tab to request coaching.
*For early learning providers in ELRCs 8, 9, and 10 only.
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Keep in Touch with Community Connections for Children! | | | | |
