Reaction Paper Section 1: Hopping Frogs and Trail Walks: Connecting Young Children and Nature by Priscilla Woyke

I. Summary of the Article (as quoted)

Beginner's Nature Program is unique nature-focused preschool at the New Canaan Nature Center in Connecticut in which they let their pupils be in the ground of ponds, streams, forest and fields in able to explore new learnings through the environment. The programs serves three to five year old outdoors to give emphasis on direct sensory experiences with the natural world or known as environmental education. Objective was to in still in childen an awareness and appreciation with nature including to learn other subjects like art, music, math, languages etc. Based on child's development, as they grow older curiosity arises that lead them more interested through hands-on learning. Based on the Ruth Wilson, In Fostering a Sense of Wonder During the Early Childhood Years (1993), environmental education based on life experience should start at the earliest years of life, before children enter school. Wilson's rationale for environment education has two major premies: 1. Children must develop a sense of respect and caring for the natural environment during their first few years of life or be at risk for never developing such attitudes. 2. Positive interaction with the natural world is an important part of healthy child development and such interactions enhance learning and quality of life over the span of one's lifetime.

II.

Position to the Article: Agree or Disagree

I agree that life experiences in nature must be presented to a child at the very earliest years of life. Exposure to the environment helped them to use their sense: see, feel, touch smell and listen to the nature. Since children at early age develop their curiosity, it is better to exposed them in environment education for them to be aware and learn how to care for the living things like plants and animals. They can able to enhance their skills through applying it in art, language and music activities. Such experiences play a critical role in shaping life long attitude, values and patterns of behavior toward natural environment.

III.

Applicable Experience If Any

Parents must explore with their children about nature and ways to preserve our environment. They need to provide frequent positive experiences outdoors. Let the children have simple experiences with the grass, trees, and insects in environments close to home or school rather than spending time and energy arranging for day trips to unfamiliar places your child may seldom visit. Therefore, parents with a minimal background in science should not be intimidated by the

thought of implementing an environmental education program for young children. Feelings are more important than facts when introducing young children to the world of nature.

IV. Personal Comments

Since the target learners are children at early age, focus on "experiencing" rather than "teaching." Young children learn through discovery and self-initiated activities, an adult should serve more as a facilitator than a teacher. Learning among young children requires active involvement -- hands-on manipulation, sensory engagement, and self-initiated explorations. Make the activities more interesting and should be less serious since young children are not expected to "watch and listen" for any length of time, nor should they be expected to always follow your lead or agenda. Focus on what children find of interest rather than competing for attention through adult-selected activities and materials. Envirionment education is also important to include in curriculum of young children to have continuity in learning. This may also enhance awareness and a responsiblity to preserve our nature and it's environment.

Prepared by: Maria Eliza D. Santillan