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Let the Kids Run Wild
April 30, 2008
Hope is like a road in the country: there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.
-Lin Yutang
Bonnie and I are in New Zealand for the Working Forum for Teacher Educators. This morning the headline in the New Zealand Herald (April 28, 2008; nzherald.co.nz) read, "Let the Kids Run Wild, Says Irwin." This was the message delivered by another visitor to New Zealand, Teri Irwin, the American-born naturalist, author, and widow of Australian naturalist Steve Irwin. Her message to Kiwi parents was "go to the bush with your children to get to know the outdoors again."

In talking about her campaign to instill the wildlife experience in other people, she shared this story...

"I was visiting a butterfly sanctuary in another country and there was a woman who, as a butterfly flew by dodged it, like it was flying at her. I thought 'wow we're getting far from wildlife.' If you're afraid of a butterfly, we're in trouble here.

"It's exciting in New Zealand because so many people get their kids out to experience nature and to learn not to be afraid of it."

Contributed by Roger Neugebauer



Exchange Resources on Nature

Exchange has a variety of practical resources on introducing young children to nature. We have two books...

Learning with Nature Idea Book
The Wonder of It: Exploring How the World Works

And, we have the following nature-oriented Beginnings Workshop 16-page training tools...

Nature and Young Children
Science, Using the Outdoors
Curriculum and Nature
Outdoor Environments

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Comments (1)

Displaying 1 Comment
geeta bhatt · May 04, 2008
the grand child care center
chicago, il, United States


I agree with the writer but now a days more television channels and electronic games targeting young kids have made it almost impossible for children to have any thrust for out door activities..But Yes! We must encourage kids to have a habit for out door.And once they are exposed to nature , I am sure they would like to explore more.
Geeta Bhatt, Chicago.



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