The very best way to teach a child to care for the earth is to give her or him as much time as possible for free play in parks, back yards or the woods.
Kids don’t need adults to come up with ideas for their play. However, kids do need adults to get them to places out-of-doors where they can play freely and safely. Parents don’t need to think up ideas to keep the kids happy when they are in a safe backyard or park. Children’s imaginations develop best when they play without adult direction. When kids are left to discover the Earth in their own way, they come up with their own ideas and questions about nature, wildlife and the environment.
Resist the Protest of Boredom From Kids
But kids often aren’t thrilled at first with being left to play on their own. Parents need to be ready for protests of boredom. It’s important to remember that boredom gives birth to new ideas. When parents jump in with an idea to prevent their child’s boredom, they take away the child’s chance to find her own interest.
It can be hard hanging in with protests of "nothing to do" in a park, but it does pay off. Whether there is one child or several, left alone they begin to explore their surroundings, noticing the birds, bugs and small creatures like chipmunks and bunnies.
When preschoolers play in a park they often make up games using things they find, like pine cones, pebbles or seeds. Child initiated play, or play that adults do not direct, is vital for children to develop social, problem solving and physical skills. Older children might take advantage of the quiet time in the park to rest or read. For more on connecting children with nature, go to Children and Nature website.
Children Learn to Care for the Earth by Experiencing the Earth
Earth Day is a time to think about giving children memories they will take into their future, of playing outside. It is the responsibility of parents, teachers, grandparents, friends – all who hold a vision of a green, sustainable planet, to help make it possible for children to play outside, where their feet walk in soil, their ears hear the birds, and their hands touch the plants.
Getting to the park or green space with the kids can be difficult for parents, but once arrived, they can kick back with a coffee or cold drink. They can be present to the kids but not responsible for their boredom. Parents get the break and the kids benefit from the unstructured play time. The future of the planet depends on children having good memories of playing in natural environments.
Clara Lovatt - Clara’s passion is to provide quality child care where young children can grow and be happy in healthy, loving environments. She ...
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