{"id":963227,"date":"2020-09-28T10:05:11","date_gmt":"2020-09-28T14:05:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wfsu.org\/education\/morel-of-the-story-learning-and-play-in-nature\/"},"modified":"2023-09-27T02:48:55","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T06:48:55","slug":"morel-of-the-story-learning-and-play-in-nature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wfsu.org\/education\/morel-of-the-story-learning-and-play-in-nature\/","title":{"rendered":"Morel of the Story: Learning And Play in Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Haley’s first morel!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

One of my most cherished childhood memories is \u201chunting\u201d for morel mushrooms<\/a> with my family in my native Indiana woods. Well, truth be told, I actually vehemently protested going at the time because I didn\u2019t like mushrooms! However, years later I realized the impression these experiences would have on my relationship with nature and my future goals as an adult, (plus now I really love mushrooms!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given time outside, I became unafraid of mud and dirt. I learned how and where to find food that isn\u2019t in a grocery store. I gained curiosity about beetles, turtles, plants, and toads. I collected snail shells and rocks I thought were pretty or interesting. I imagined being on jungle expeditions in the Amazon or starring in my own nature TV show (inspired by the PBS shows my family watched!) And, most powerfully, I experienced the peaceful awe and wonder that can be gained from getting \u201clost\u201d in the woods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nature fed my instinctive curiosity as a child. Ultimately, I largely credit my upbringing in an unstructured natural setting for laying the foundation of my adult career in art, education, collecting objects, and museums. It is now my personal and professional goal is to help create learning experiences for children that model the same awe, curiosity, and wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

REsources for Learning & Play in Nature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Elinor Wonders Why is PBS KIDS’ newest show!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

PBS KIDS\u2019 newest show Elinor Wonders Why<\/em><\/a> helps children ages 3\u20135 ask and answer questions about the natural world<\/a> they live in. Children learn through play<\/a>, and playing surrounded by nature encourages interest in the real world. Adults who discover and learn in the outdoors are modeling curiosity for their children.
Cyberchase: Green It Up<\/em><\/a> is a unique education program based on the show Cyberchase<\/em><\/a> and helps students ages 6\u20138 learn about issues in environmental and nature topics through a STEM lens. Try some of the activities<\/a> out for at-home learning! Adults can help extend learning from watching episodes of Elinor Wonders Why<\/em> and Cyberchase<\/em> with their children and apply the same concepts outside to their backyard or local woods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call for NAture Video submissions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For older nature-lovers, the premiere of a PBS special series, The Age of Nature<\/em><\/a> will air on WFSU on October 14, at 10 pm ET. Over its three episodes this special series delves into the human relationship with nature. In conjunction with this show, WFSU will host a discussion on October 20 at 7 pm about local nature issues. We want you in on the conversation!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Families and teachers, we are encouraging our community of all ages to share their curiosity in nature with us. We want to see<\/em> what nature means to you. Create a nature video with your children or students and share it with us! The following prompts might help you to get started with creating your special nature video. Additionally, please share with us what PBS show might have inspired your curiosity and learning!<\/p>\n\n\n\n