The world is a wondrous place to a child. It is full of miracles. There is no fear within a child, just curiosity. Adults must be careful not to instill undo fear in children but only prudent respect for the natural world. In a world full of fear and anxiety, we could all learn some things from children and how they relate to nature around them. They love to study the minute; to hear the gentle songs of birds; to try and taste a freshly fallen snowflake; to feel the ‘squish’ of mud between their toes. Their lives are not full of busy-ness. They do not keep the same time tables as adults. Their attention is at the beck and call of nature. They are absorbing every experience they encounter and laying it as the foundation of their forming personality. Rich, natural experiences provide a wonderful foundation for a blossoming personality.
I remember when I was young my mother would show me how to pick apricots from our tree out back. She would help me wash them and I would watch her prepare them in order to make apricot jam. I would then watch her preserve them through the canning process. Apricot jam is one of my favorite treats and that apricot tree became a sanctuary that I could climb into and create a place to have my own thoughts and pretend that I lived with the birds. Childish imaginings? Perhaps. Creative experiences? Indeed.
I remember times while hiking with my father. He would show me animal tracks and wildflowers along the trail. I treasure that knowledge he passed on to me; but even more so, I treasure the time he and I had alone in the natural world. It was calm, relaxing, and comforting. Nature was the perfect frame for that beautiful memory.
I worry that children are not getting enough time in the natural world. In our school, we spend as much time outdoors as possible. We maintain a school garden where the children can experience the feel and smell of the soil, the wonder of planting a seed and watching the first seedling appear. They learn how to gently nurture the plant by weeding and watering. They learn patience as the plant grows and enjoy the thrill of harvesting and tasting the fruit of their labor. They see the plant’s life cycle. They learn to respect and marvel at natural processes.
What happens when we take this away from young children in the name of technology? They lose the ability to focus and concentrate. Their executive functioning suffers. They become irritable and restless. They become habituated to the rapid visual sensory overload. Nature keeps the child in balance- it sets a natural pace for the child’s developing senses. What could be more natural than that?
Until next week,
Lorraine
