Being a Natural Teacher
Now that our young ones are headed off to school, I worry that they are
not getting enough time outdoors or exploring the natural qualities of the
world. Studies show that increased time outdoors helps to lower stress and
other symptoms of high anxiety. So if keeping children indoors all day is
putting our children’s mental health at risk, what can we do about it? Recently
I read an article that gives ways a teacher can become a natural teacher. The
article titled THE NATURAL TEACHER, BACKTO SCHOOL: 10 Ways You Can Add Vitamin “N” to the Classroom & Beyond
discusses how to use nature in all aspects while teaching, even if you are
stuck indoors. I would encourage you to read this article by Richard Louv and
even pass it on to the teachers at your school.
Involving schools in nature is
important but we can’t expect our teachers to do all the work for us. When your
student gets home do you help to foster that love of nature? Invite them to
play outside until dinner, or even do their homework under the shade of a tree.
Learning does not solely take place between the four walls of a school. Every
home is a school, what are you teaching?
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