The Forest Kindergarten

[Pb]

It's having kindergarten or day care almost entirely out of doors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_kindergarten

I'm certain this is the way that kids have grow up throughout almost all of human history.

This seems to be a great idea.  My little kids love to play outside for hours.  I hope this idea spreads.

[vaskidmark]

.  I hope this idea spreads.

Do the busybodies who report free range children to CPS know about this?

stay safe.

[Hawkmoon]

Climbing trees and exploring the forest

  But, but, but ...

Climbing trees? They might fall and get hurt.

Exploring the forest? They might get lost.

Unacceptable. Far too dangerous.

[MechAg94]

Yeah, they might get stuck by a thorn or get a splinter.

[Ron]

Regarding the concept of "nature deficit disorder" ie children not getting enough unstructured outdoors time, there is a book about the theory.

It is called Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder

I've read a different book by the author on a similar subject and found it interesting. A lot of theories and observations mostly.

Being in the woods biking or hiking does have a positive effect on my mood no doubt, esp hiking. I tend to believe there is something to the idea.

[MikeB]

If nothing else, the best natural way to get vitamin D is to get outside. I'm pretty sure the fresh air is good for all ages. And exposure to dirt, pollens, what have you is good for developing young immune systems.

And if none of the science matters. I've always been a believer in the idea that communing with nature just plain feels good.

[KD5NRH]

I've always been a believer in the idea that communing with nature just plain feels good.

IMO, though, it's much better as a small group activity.  1-4 people, maybe a fifth if that one is instructing the others in something particularly interesting.

[lee n. field]

IMO, though, it's much better as a small group activity.  1-4 people, maybe a fifth if that one is instructing the others in something particularly interesting.

My daughter posted this article to Facebook, commenting that she wanted to do this for homeschool kindergarten.   (3 kiddies).

[BlueStarLizzard]

http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2014/03/hey-parents-leave-those-kids-alone/358631/

It reminds me of this article. I would guess the Forest Kindergarten has a lot of the same benefits as The Land.