October: Developing a Sense of Place

Where am I? What is the nature of this place?

These are simple questions. Or are they? To children today these questions might be anything but simple. As our society moves into cities and suburbs, and away from the natural world, our children’s connection to the natural world has started to disappear. Children today spend more time in front of screens, both television and computer, than they do outside. Most do not know what is outside their own backdoor - let alone what is down the street. Also lost is the connection to the community and what sustains it. Where did their dinner come from? Ask a child and most likely they will tell you the grocery store.

What can we do?

Take the classroom outside into the local natural world and into the community. Start with your schoolyard. Young children are very observant and if given a chance will happily explore and discover their surroundings. Record their observations so you can discuss them as a class later.

Once you have learned your schoolyard - go further. The pond down the road. The creek in the woods behind the school. The local park.

Go into the community. What is in your local community? What is grow around your community? Are there parks? A river? Is there a local area or business that you can visit?

Next –what can YOU do? As a class what can you do to help the local community? The local natural resources? Is there a project at the local community park that your school can take on? A prairie planting? Tree planting? Community garden? Get children into the community and involved.

For young children remember to “stay small” and focus on how it fits into their world.

Activity Ideas

“Wildlife is Everywhere” Growing Up WILD – Children make observations and understand that wildlife is all around us.

“Who Lives in a Tree?” Growing Up WILD – Children develop an awareness of trees and some of the animals that call them “home”.

“Field Study Fun” Growing Up WILD – Children investigate a field study plot to observe plant and animal interactions over time.

“Sounds Around” Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood – Children explore the sounds of nature (or the schoolyard!).

“Adopt a Tree” Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood – Children adopt a tree and learn about it as they visit over time and watch it change through the seasons.

Poster – As a class create a poster about your schoolyard and what lives there.

New!! Facebook Group!!

Do you want to explore place-based education with other liked-minded educators? Join the Outdoor Explorations for Early Learners group on Facebook™! It’s a forum for educators to learn and share with each other! http://www.facebook.com/groups/OutdoorExplorations/