Learning with nature means not just learning in or about nature, but learning in an environment where the natural world becomes another teacher. Good teachers of course help their students learn facts and ways of thinking, but they also inspire. They make us feel something so strongly we are sparked to create. One way nature inspires is through […]
Play, especially messy play, is often under appreciated in children’s learning. This is particularly true when it comes to playing with mud. Adults focus on the mess (and associated cleanup) and seem to miss the rich learning. Yes, the play is messy but there are so many learning opportunities – particularly related to science. Science […]
When we start to embrace child-driven, play-based learning, we have to ask: what are the adults supposed to do? If we are offering children open-ended materials and letting them run with imagination and experimentation, do we just walk away? Do we play with them? When kids are engaged with their own explorations, there is a certain freedom […]
If you are looking for unique Hanukkah or Christmas gift inspiration for the little builders in your life, you’ve come to the right place! Guidecraft has created several lines of open-ended building toy sets for boys and girls ages 2 and up which draw inspiration from nature and the world around us, teach basic STEM principles, […]
In this episode of Lauren’s Learning Lab, mom, architect and teacher, Lauren Magee is joined by author, educator and natural playscape designer, Rusty Keeler. Together, they work to design and create the perfect outdoor space for Lauren’s three young children, ages 9, 7 and 3. Lauren’s children (and Lauren!) enjoy the outdoors and embrace mud […]
What is play exactly? Why do we play? Why do children play? Why do animals play? When you see dogs playfully roughhousing or dolphins joyously leaping out of the water, what is going on? I’d venture to say that the spirit of play flowing through us is the energetic joy of the universe manifesting through […]
