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Napping in Nature
December 4, 2013
Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means at the point of highest reality.
-C.S. Lewis

For programs in the midst of winter weather, this idea may seem a bit far out, but teachers at the Ruth Staples Child Development Laboratory in Lincoln, Nebraska, experimented with nap-time outdoors, and reported about their experience in Growing With Nature: Supporting Whole-Child Learning in Outdoor Classrooms (which is included in our "Holiday Gift Guide"):

"Student teachers were skeptical when lab faculty proposed and experiment outside when the weather was mild.  They later reflected that children were calm, and that even children who did not sleep were relaxed as they listened to the breeze moving through leaves overhead.  For example, one child, Sonora, stated, 'When we sleep outside it is better because the wind blows me to sleep.'  Teachers also reported feeling more relaxed in the outdoor setting.  They were less anxious that children who were not sleeping would disturb others."





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Comments (4)

Displaying All 4 Comments
Nancy · December 12, 2013
New Hampshire, United States


I have proposed this to my teaching staff for next spring and summer--I received several raised eyebrows!! "They won't go to sleep outside--they will think it is playtime!" "I don't think it will work!" When I suggested that we will be giving it a try, and then reminded them to think about how nice it feels to sleep in fresh air you could see a change on their faces.......I hope they embrace this idea for at least one day a week.

Alla · December 04, 2013
United States


Yes, I liked it, and agree, my opinion , that from preschool have to be art and music program more envolve in all learning facilities , it, s proved from history and many years ago.

Phyllis Porter · December 04, 2013
Educarer, Inc.
Eden Prairie, MN, United States


I lived in Hungary from 1985-1991. There was a "kindergarten" (ages 1-5) near our house. The children napped outside most days. Their beds were metal and permanently placed. The down bedding was brought in and out for naps. It was common there for babies to nap in their buggies on the balconies of homes year-round. Of course the winter temperatures were not as cold as in MN.

Tracy Chatman · December 04, 2013
chatmanfamilydaycare
Leesburg, Fl., United States


Wonderful good value



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