Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/wonder----nacc-newsletter/5023499/
It’s All about Life
Ellen Galinsky, author of Mind in the Making, writes, “Life today can be all of these things: complex, distracting, fast moving, 24/7, and stressful. It is also joyful and full of exciting possibilities. We know that if it is this way for us, it is only going to be more so for our children. We all want the best for our children, but how do we help them not only survive but thrive, today and in the future?”
Research suggests that any child can learn the kinds of skills that will prepare them for the pressures of modern life if the skills are intentionally taught and fostered. Galinsky has grouped this research into seven critical areas that children need most:
- Focus and Self-control
- Perspective Taking
- Communicating
- Making Connections
- Critical Thinking
- Taking on Challenges
- Self-directed, Engaged Learning
The reflections shared in this edition broadly reflect the Nature Action Collaborative for Children Universal Principle:
We believe it is important that children be supported in
developing life skills through holistic nature-based learning.
Perhaps the following stories will inspire you to reflect on your own teaching practices and environments. How is a connection to nature helping children lay the important foundation for these skills during their early years? How is it providing ...