So we all know kids love mud and puddles and jumping in mud and puddles. And yes, we parents know it too – but do we like it? Not always! And now schools and childcare centers are intentionally allowing and encouraging children to explore the mud and mess? Oh my goodness! How do teachers handle that? How do they talk about the positive impact on children’s learning and exploration to parents? How do they help parents understand? How do they make it work??
Check out this fine example of a “we love mud’ flier recently posted for parents to see at the wonderful Center for Child Development at Kansas State University. Not only do they share the positive learning potentials with parents, but they even invite the parents to join in the process. Nice job!
The front page of yesterday’s NY Times carried this article, by Michael Pollan, where he asks the researchers who are decoding the “second genome” what changes they are making in their own lives. Some “spoke of relaxing the sanitary regime in their homes, encouraging their children to play outside in the dirt and with animals”. There you have it.It’s a pity they don’t have a better picture to accompany the article. The studio shot the NYT set up underlines to need to ACTUALLY get outside. They need some of your pictures to illustrate this concept. Uhh hem!
That is great to hear! the idea that really, really, we humans need to be connecting with the natural world in all it’s muddy, dirty, furry, squishy glory. It’s GOOD for us! so…. ok…. let’s get the word out there!! (and photos!)