Woods and Wetlands 2019

Last Day of Spring W&W

woodsandwetlands
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I wish tree-climbing was a playground and recess option! It is so beneficial in so many ways!
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The “portal” apple tree that drapes over the entrance to the woods is done blooming and ready to begin forming tiny, wild apples.
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Just 20 minutes in nature can reduce stress and create calm. I love that this is a no-screen-zone!
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Friends climbing trees together learn to take turns, solve problems, and build trust.
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I. enjoying the nature-made “hammock.”
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The more opportunities kids have to climb and try, the better their balance, brain development, and confidence. I was nearby but not hovering. When adults use that time to verbalize their own fears, it can negatively affect kids who are hearing a message that says, “I don’t trust you to do this thing.” We must trust our kids if we want them to trust themselves and keep trying!
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Ferns continue to mystify and amaze me! I have read the science, but I love the magic too!
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Cattail plants are now taller than we are.

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Mmm, skunk cabbage!

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I asked A. about what he was doing as I noticed him picking and chipping bark off of a dead stump. He was able to identify that not only were there cool bugs underneath, but that it was, “just really satisfying,” to do! I love that he knew it was okay to just do it because it felt good.

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We spent the last 15 minutes in The Enchanted Forest. There is still so much to explore out there!
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We checked the water temperature.

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Some of the kids played hide-and-seek for a while.
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Kids need sticks to play with. If we let them try and teach them how to be careful, they can do it.

Published by woodsandwetlands

I am an and outdoor educator with a master's in early childhood development. I taught elementary school for 20 years and now own Woods and Wetlands LLC, offering programs for local children to engage in nature study through play and exploration-based learning. My programs are all outdoors in whatever "wild" spaces are available. I live in Rockford, Michigan with my husband, dog, and three cats. My unique, therapeutic, one and a half hour programs help children to connect with the natural world and with themselves.

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