NATURE EXPLORE™ PROJECT
A growing body of evidence is showing how critically important it is for children to spend time outdoors. A positive outdoor experience can impact health, social-emotional development, problem solving, attention span, self-discipline and self-concept.
The Dimensions Educational Research Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation have developed a process for establishing Nature Explore™ classrooms in a variety of types of facilities. A partnership project has been developed to provide support for outdoor classrooms in Nebraska. The Nebraska AEYC is a partner in this project, and is providing support for the sites. Support includes:
- A visit from a landscape architect-educator team to help develop a concept plan for the outdoor space.
- A copy of the book, Learning with Nature, to aid in the collaborative design work.
- Training at a Nature Explore™ workshop
- Follow-up support from designated staff at Nebraska AEYC or the Early Childhood Training Center.
- A chance to become one of the first certified Nature Explore™ classrooms in the country.
NEBRASKA OUTDOOR CLASSROOM SITES
For more information visit NatureExplore.org, a collaborative project of the Arbor Day foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation. Find profiles of the certified classrooms, as well as much additional information.
WORKING FORUMS:
Nature Action Forum
October 17 – 20, 2010
Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska, USA
The purpose of the Connecting Children with Nature Action Forum is to nurture future generations of environmental stewards by equipping and training 70 nature action teams from around the world to lead campaigns to connect children with nature in their communities, regions, and nations.
LEARN MORE about this event.
2011 World Forum
May 3 – 6, 2011
Honolulu, Hawaii
The World Forum Board of Directors and International Organizing Committee are delighted to announce the location of the 2011 World Forum on Early Care and Education. Save the dates and make plans to join your colleagues from around the globe to share ideas on caring for the children of the world.
LEARN MORE about this event.
For more information, contact:
- Gina DeFreece, Special Projects Coordinator, (402) 476-5672 or gdefreece@NebraskaAEYC.org
- Tracy Gordon, Special Projects Coordinator, (402) 476-5662 or tgordon@NebraskaAEYC.org
- Nancy Rosenow, Director of Dimensions Foundation, (402) 476-8304 or nancyr@dimensionsfoundation.org
“I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” Anne Frank