Thursday, July 21, 2005

Last Child in the Woods

"Richard Louv argues in his new book that children are suffering from attention problems and higher rates of mental and physical illness because they aren't exposed to direct nature. In Last Child in the Woods, he calls the idea 'nature-deficit disorder.' "

"He gathered anecdotal information to help back up his theory that nature helps children become more observant, calm and creative, though there aren't hard figures to back it up. 'There's a real sense of wonder that is lost when kids aren't exposed to nature,' Louv said . . . 'Nature doesn't have to be Yosemite. It can be the empty lot nearby or the back yard. Any place where they can learn about their surroundings.' "

"Just the fresh air alone is so important for them. And it's great for their imagination. It's where they learn to be brothers and work together . . ."

This article reviewing the book, Outdoor Tme, encourages parents to get their kids outside. It doesn't mention Charlotte Mason, but it sounds like something she might have written herself.

Thanks, Roxie, for sharing this link!