Family Nature Day

The 3rd Sunday of every month is Family Nature Day at the Museum of Natural History. Bring a lunch for a picnic in the picnic area and spend the day in our Backyard. Make mud pies, build a fort, hunt for dragonfly nymphs in the creek, race boats on the water course, dance, and celebrate being alive in nature. Children who play outside are smarter, healthier, and happier.

"Outdoor play and informal learning in natural environments can now be seen as crucial to children's health and as a self-motivating means of assimilating knowledge about the natural world."
F. Martensson

Family Nature Day May 16

On May 16, Free Sunday at the Museum of Natural History, we will have another day of outdoor activities for families. Kids will be invited to catch (and release) tadpoles or lizards, dig for critters, make mud pies, build forts, invent small worlds for elves, gnomes, or fairies, dance, sing, climb boulders, hike, explore, jump rope, or just read and draw outdoors. It's Earth Day every day at the Museum of Natural History.

Absurdity

http://www.independent.com/news/2009/nov/14/teacher-trial/

You have to see this to believe it. Lia Grippo, an outstanding early childhood educator and childcare provider is fighting to get her childcare license re-instated. The problem: Last summer, she allowed children to explore the beach and climb a beach cliff and the police were called. No one was injured or in danger - the kids were just exploring, part of Wild Roots Nature Education Program for children ages two to seven. This is unbelievable but indicative of a neurotic society where no one remembers what "normal" childhood is all about.

Great article by Michelle Howard

http://www.independent.com/news/2009/sep/27/rx-go-play-outside/