Learning to be better stewards of the planet

We're nearly a month into Winter, and the learning has been profound. We've encountered below-freezing days and many unseasonably warm days. While we've enjoyed playing in the precipitation of rain, we're still waiting on the snow to appear.

These fluctuating and sometimes surprising outdoor experiences teach us many lessons, and even young children have the ability to ask keen questions and make deep observations. It's always a treat when children ask questions we don't quite know how to answer. We're all familiar with going down the infamous rabbit hole of "why."

Our program's approach to learning through inquiry may not promise answers, but always a great conversation. Beyond verbal language learning in response to our dynamic environment, there's also the learning accomplished by engaging in the language of love.

Teaching engagement with nature through care is another commitment of ours, and it works! We've seen children build connections with trees and learn to be more gentle with worm friends. Fear and apathy transform into love and respect. Research shows that exposing children to nature may lead to growing into better earth stewards. Researcher Catherine Broom says, "Developing positive experiences in nature at a young age can influence our attitudes and behaviors towards nature as adults," This eco-literacy is just as valuable as what may be learned through deciphering what Dick & Jane is doing.

While getting outdoors in all types of weather may not always be easy, sometimes it's a helpful reminder that the long-term rewards can outweigh the discomfort of the moment. As climate and weather continue to shift and influence our lives, it's a good practice to embrace awareness of our environment early and often.