Experiencing Nature

One of the concerns early educators have for children’s mental, physical, and emotional health is the role that parental anxiety plays in the lives of children today. Undoubtedly the world outside can be a place of risk but the high level of parental anxiety present in our culture is leading parents to limit children’s opportunities to explore the world as they travel their path to adulthood. Of course I am not advocating for parents to let their small children roam the streets but am aware that I clearly remember the first time I got to ride my bike to a friend’s house or explore a creek without a parent holding my hand. There is a balance to be struck in protecting our children and teaching them the skills needed for independence. This parental anxiety can often leave children lacking exposure to natural environments. Richard Louv has coined the term “nature deficit disorder” to describe the lack of access to natural environments for today’s children. The consequences of our alienation from nature include diminished use of the senses, higher rates of physical and emotional illness and even attention difficulties. If you think about it, being outdoors enjoying God’s creation gives children the opportunity to experience independence, risk taking and accomplishment, exploration and discovery, it grows their attention through focusing on the intricacies of nature and gives them the feeling of freedom. I would take it one step further and say that being outdoors and loosing parental anxiety can bring great biblical teaching moments as well. What a great way for children to experience the power and might of God but to look out at the expanse of the ocean and crashing waves. What better way is there for children to learn that they can be free to explore and when they fall down you will be there to pick them up, brush them off and encourage the to keep going? Living in such a beautiful city with so many opportunities to explore a wide variety of natural landscapes leaves little excuse for our having nature deprived children. So grab a magnifying glass and other exploration tools, take them to the beach or a local natural park or botanical gardens and let them enjoy!

Multi Cultural Picnic!

Could the weather have been any more perfect than it was for our luncheon today?! It was gorgeous! The children had fun learning songs in both Japanese and Spanish. And, of course they LOVE having their parents join us for lunch! Thank you all for coming and enjoying some time with us!

March Madness

We finished up March Madness week!!! The children were filled with delight to dress up in fun costumes all week. Monday- Favorite Color Day, Tuesday- Pirate/Princess, Wednesday- Wacky Wednesday, Thursday- Pajama Day and Friday- Multi cultural day. How cute are they in their little outfits! So Fun!

Community Helpers Week

Thank you to Dr.Claire for coming and teaching us all about the importance of brushing our teeth. What a super dentist she is!
Also a thank you to Dr.Crystal for coming and teaching us all about our bones and the importance of keeping our bodies healthy!

Coast Guard Visit

We had a super visit from the Coast Guard! They learned all about the people who keep us safe on the water, the importance of wearing a life jacket and also caring for the environment. The children even got to take home whistles, sorry moms and dads. :)

Paramedic Visit

A big thank you to Jim Griswold (Jordan's dad) for coming to tell us about his job and show us the awesome ambulance. Cristina and Jordan C. even got to see a print out of their heart beat. All of the children had a chance to spend sometime checking out the back of the ambulance and learn about what important helpers medics are to our community.

Firefighter Visit

I think that we had the coolest firefighter visit ever! We are so grateful to these community helpers for teaching us what to do in an emergency. When asked by Firefighter Dustin "What should you do if you find matches?" Micah answers "LIGHT 'EM UP!" We also found out that Israel has had a fire at his house "In the place Santa comes down." The children had three centers to explore 1) the fire truck, they even got to use the hose, 2) a safety lesson and they even got to take a photo with a firefighter! The kids had so much fun!