Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Children and Nature

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C&NN Leadership Writing Series
Children & Nature Network has published four new resources for leaders, organizers, and participants at the local, national, and international levels. All are available for download free of charge.

Leadership Writing Series volume one, number 1
Shared Nature Experience as a Pathway to Strong Family Bonds
Dr. Martha Farrell Erickson’s essay on why time spent in nature is an investment in happier families.
[>] download this article [PDF]

Leadership Writing Series volume one, number 2
Reflections on Children’s Experience of Nature
A brief, urgent paper on the biological need for “connections to natural systems and processes,” by Stephen R. Kellert, Professor at the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and Executive Chairman, Bio-Logical Capital.
[>] download this article [PDF]

Leadership Writing Series volume one, number 3
Back to Nature and the Emerging Child Saving Movement: Restoring Children’s Outdoor Play
Joe Frost, Ed.D., L.H.D., Parker Centennial Professor Emeritus, University of Texas, writes on the movement and the need to restore outdoor play.
[>] download this article [PDF]



Children’s Nature Deficit:
What We Know – and Don’t Know

by Cheryl Charles, Ph.D., and Richard Louv 
September 2009
A collection of 45 reports and research studies that document a decline in participation in nature-based outdoor activities by many children and youth.
[>] download the report [PDF]



Children and Nature 2009
A REPORT ON THE MOVEMENT TO RECONNECT CHILDREN TO THE NATURAL WORLD

Children and Nature 2009 was developed to serve as a tool for those who care deeply about the importance of reconnecting children with nature. Originally published in 2008, this updated report begins with a concise history of the children and nature movement and then makes the case for the many positive benefits to children when outdoor play is part of their everyday lives. Subsequent sections look at the direction of the movement and the barriers to it; the motivating interests and values of different categories of parents; ideas for the future of the movement; and the progress of the movement around the globe.
[>] download the report [PDF]



imageC&NN Community Action Guide: Building the Children & Nature Movement from the Ground Up
C&NN Community Action Guide is a hands-on tool for organizers in the field. It describes in detail an action-oriented process for designing and implementing initiatives to reconnect children and nature. Written especially for regional leaders, the guide covers each step toward success. The first section provides a road map for engaging a community. The next section shows organizers how to create a viable strategic plan. The final section covers the process of implementation. A sample timeline for groups to follow and information on working together and achieving consensus are also included.
[>] download the action guide [PDF]



NCFF ToolkitC&NN's Nature Clubs for Families Tool Kit

Tips, Inspiration, and Resources for Starting Your Own Family Nature Club.
C&NN Nature Clubs for Families Tool Kit: Do It Yourself! Do It Now! provides inspiration, information, tips and resources for those who are—or who might be—interested in creating a Nature Club for Families. Available in English and Spanish.
Download the Tool Kit in English [>]