During my second Read'n'Seed I read pages 70 to 131. These pages contained the last three parts of section II (Why the Young, and the Rest of Us, Need Nature), titled the "Eighth Intelligence", The Genius of Childhood: How Natures Nurtures Creativity, and Nature-Deficit Disorder and the Restorative Environment and the first two parts of section III (The Best of Intention: Why Johnnie and Jeannie Don't Play Outside Anymore), titled Time and Fear and the Bogeyman Syndrome Redux.
There were many topics talked about during these pages. They were:
- Nature Smart: Paying Attention
- Learn from Nature
- Nature and Creativity
- Nature-Deficit Disorder and the Restorative Environment
- Time and Fear
- Bogeyman Syndrome Redux
I learned many new things in these sections. First, Howard Gardner, a professor at Harvard, created seven types of intelligences and decided to add an "eighth intelligence" in which he felt was very important. The eighth intelligence was titled naturalist intelligence or "nature smart" (p. 71). He felt being involved in nature and knowing about it was just as important to intelligence as was being intellectually knowledgeable. Another interesting fact I found in the book was a study done on the area children play in. The study showed that children who play on a more natural playground versus an asphalt playground integrate more fantasy and make-believe play than those who have to play on a built surface (p. 87). This surprised me because I would have never thought there would have been a difference. Another fact that surprised me was that many federal and state governments are trying to reduce or get rid of recess time. They feel that pushing for higher test scores is more important than recess which to them is "a waste of time" (p. 98). This shocked me because recess is a time for kids to get out of the classroom for a while and be able to have some fun while doing physical activity. Due to the increased obesity rates among children you would think this would be the last thing they would consider. According to Richard Louv, "40 percent of 5 -8 year old's suffer from cardiac risk factors such as obesity" (p. 98). Test scores are important but so is the health of these young children. Last, I learned about "the Bogeyman Syndrome Redux." The Bogeyman Syndrome is how parents and their children perceive nature (p. 123). Yes, if you watch movies like "The Blair Witch Project" there is a good chance you will be scared but remember IT IS JUST A MOVIE. Nature is not scary. Many times the media like to portray it as a bad place but that is wrong. Also, parents are just not as trusting these days, which I cannot blame them. There is violence but it is not as bad as parents assume. Let your kids go play with friends in areas that are close to home or go with them if it makes you feel better. Overall, just make sure your kids get to explore nature as much as they can because it will only benefit them in the future.
As a society we should care about this problem because it affects everyone, not just children. Nature has a calming effect for everyone that enters it. It is a good place to read, study, play with your kids, or just to sight see. Lately, everyone is so afraid of letting their kids get out there and explore but go with them! Experience nature with your kids, family, or friends because you will enjoy it. We need to start using it if we want to keep it.
During my second Read'n'Seed I read pages 70 to 131. These pages contained the last three parts of section II (Why the Young, and the Rest of Us, Need Nature), titled the "Eighth Intelligence", The Genius of Childhood: How Natures Nurtures Creativity, and Nature-Deficit Disorder and the Restorative Environment and the first two parts of section III (The Best of Intention: Why Johnnie and Jeannie Don't Play Outside Anymore), titled Time and Fear and the Bogeyman Syndrome Redux.
The Bogeyman Syndrome? This is exactly why we as health educators are needed! It is our job to get kids and their parents out and becoming more familiar with nature! Many people are afraid of the unknown so if people are able and interested in leaning about being active outdoors, than that makes our job easier! I think that you are right, if children perceive their environment as being valuable, they are more likely to protect it, and kids are so quick to lean they will adopt behavior changes much easier than adults
ReplyDeleteGardner was truly right I believe when he said that being involved in nature and knowing about it is just as important to being intellectually knowledgeable. It makes me sad and sick to my stomach that policies are pushing for kids to get less recess time and less P.E. time. Doesn't anybody wonder why so many kids are becoming obese and being diagnosed with ADHD??? Ummm could it be that kids aren't getting enough play time and fresh air? In my special ed. classes we've talked about this issue in the past that especially, young boys; because of their human development and makeup need to blow off steam and get their energy out so they can concentrate in the classrooms. I totally agree with you on the bogeyman syndrome and that the media can portray being in the wilderness as scary sometimes, but in fact nature is healthy and an outlet for many people. I mean technology in mind is far more dangerous for kids than nature in that there's internet predators and stalkers out there and not to mention content that's accessible to kids that shouldn't be. Very good post.
ReplyDeleteAlicia, this book still continues to sound so interesting. I have heard of it, but cant believe that with the problems with childhood obesity in our county that people are still trying to get rid of recess, its very sad. Recess is a great time for kids to relieve their energy and socialize. Also the boogyman syndrome, what are parents thinking. Nature is a wonderful thing hopefully kids can start to enjoy it even more.
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