Children need nature! In this last year of pandemic living, many more of us have seen this in our day-to-day lives, how much kids thrive when playing outside. We spoke with Nancy Striniste, founder of Earlyspace and author of “Nature Play at Home: Creating Outdoor Spaces that Connect Children with the Natural World” on about the importance of playing in nature.
With a unique background in both children development and design, Striniste has been creating spaces for children for more than three decades. Striniste talks about how to connect children—in their neighborhoods, backyards, schoolyards, child care centers, and parks—to nature through good design that is deeply informed by an understanding of child development and principles of sustainable landscaping.
Podcast Version:
For more on Stiniste and Early Space and her book, “Nature Play at Home: Creating Outdoor Spaces that Connect Children with the Natural World,” visit her website, Earlyspace.com
For more on Maryland working group on nature play:
And
Green Schoolyards America/ National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative
To find opportunities for your kids to enjoy school in local nature programs, check out our article on Nature Preschools and Outdoor Education!
Listen to more Third Floor Views interviews on topics including talking about race, stress management and more.
