Nature Play in the Schoolyard

I have been a proponent of nature play in and out of school time for twenty years.

But you all know this. I write about the benefits of nature, unstructured play, and reasonable risk for optimal child development all the time. In fact, it’s what The Grass Stain Guru blog is all about.

I stumbled on this lovely and powerful video that explores nature play in three schools in Scotland. It bares mentioning that the narrator states how the UK is far behind European schools embracing nature play. And let it said, the USA is far behind the UK in embracing nature play and reasonable risk for children.

Well, it’s time to play catch up!

Please watch this video for inspiration and ideas to bring nature to your school or center grounds.

 

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo by: reggestraat

How is Your Balance, Joy & Play Meter?

“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life’s realities.” ~ Dr. Seuss

jullian

Last month, I wrote a different type of New Year’s Resolution post — one that focused on more balance, joy and play rather than deprivation, which is the usual theme. 

What I’ve discovered over the years is that if I don’t check back in on what I wrote down, then the process of writing down goals or resolutions — new year’s or otherwise — doesn’t do a bit of good.

So, let’s have a check in, shall we? How are you doing in your quest for more balance, joy and play?

To refresh your memories, here is the list of items to pursue with abandon in this glorious year, 2012.

What should you Do More of in 2012:

  1. Laugh (to the verge if incontinence)
  2. Play (like your life depends on it)
  3. Dance (whether there is music or not)
  4. Hike
  5. Skip
  6. Hop
  7. Jump (for joy)
  8. Frolic
  9. Make time for your friends
  10. Garden
  11. Walk barefoot
  12. Sing
  13. Soak in a bubble bath
  14. Stargaze
  15. Camp
  16. Make s’mores
  17. Bike
  18. Cook
  19. Be kind
  20. Travel
  21. Try new things
  22. Trust yourself
  23. Shoot for the stars
  24. Be fearless
  25. Dust yourself off and begin again

What have you been doing to make sure you put some LIFE into living?! Please share.

I took a break from blogging for a few weeks to regain some balance. It was really important to give myself that time to have some fun and make time for friends and play. Definitely recharged my batteries.

Play on, my dear friends. Your life, as it turns out, depends on it.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Creative Commons License photo credit: wolleydog

Photo Essay: Ode to Snow Play

Snowball

by Shel Silverstein

I made myself a snow ball as perfect as could be.
I thought I’d keep it as a pet and let it sleep with me.
I made it some pajamas and a pillow for it’s head.
Then, last night it ran away.
But first — it wet the bed.

Woosh!

IMG_4752

Creative Commons License photo credit: lancefisher


The bear emerges from his den…

IMG_4760

Creative Commons License photo credit: lancefisher

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Snow in South Park (5)Creative Commons License photo credit: kamshots

Look out belowwwwwwwwwww!

Snow in South Park (6)

Creative Commons LicenseLook out belo photo credit: kamshots

You’re mine!

Patrick & Eden Snowball Fight I

Creative Commons License photo credit: edenpictures

Here it comes!

Patrick & Eden Snowball Fight II

Creative Commons LicenseHe photo credit: edenpictures

I made him all by myself!!

Poppy And The Snowman
Creative Commons License photo credit: foilman

A little snow never stops imagination…

Snow Fight..

Creative Commons License photo credit: Nanagyei

Mmmmmmmm — look what’s waiting…

h
Creative Commons License photo credit: kevinmarsh

3 cheers for snow play!


Don’t let a little cold weather stop you. Bundle up and get out there! Reconnect with the joys of play and share them with the children in your world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

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