The fond memories of childhood. Whether it's climbing tree's or running through the farmer's field's, it probably involves being outside. Now look at your children, will they share similar memories?
I feel like my generation is one of the last to view the outdoors as a sense of freedom and escape. Today's kids show no affection or desire towards nature. Things such as tree houses now seem like ancient ruins. Kid's understanding of nature is manicured beaches and managed parks. No one takes random adventures through the forest anymore.
Natural play has been criminalized. Stick forts and tree houses are seen as fire hazards. Housing districts prohibit basketball hoops and skate ramps as they "ruin" the neighborhood. Instead of teaching children how to respect nature and use it wisely, we put up no trespassing signs and close them out. This doesn't create compassion, it creates disconnection.
Scientists are linking the increase in obesity and increase of children with mental conditions to the lack of nature. In today's society, we live sedentary lives. No need to hunt or fish or gather vegetables anymore. We live in a society of convenience. Children are suffering from OCD and anxiety in triple the numbers they were years ago. Drugs for depression were never meant for kids, but are now are all too common.
And to think.... this could all be solved by nature.
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Nice blog on the book we are reading. Really have to agree with the author when it comes to a kids awareness of the outdoor and their own back yard. As a parent of 4 children I am guilt of keeping a super tight leash on them restricting their interactions outside and in the neighborhood to only when I am around. I do feel that myway kids areyou exposed to the outdoors and nature due to our hikes in the woods, fishing and trips floating down the river.
ReplyDeleteKatie - good perspective on nature. How did you form this perspective from the book you are reading? Also, how do you think this relates to agriculture education? I think about how we as educators can intentionally design lessons and labs to get students outside and being apart of nature to encourage exploration and activity in the mind as well as physical activity. Looking forward to reading more blogs!
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