playbook. “There are no math worksheets; instead, worms are counted and piles of rocks are split into equal parts.”
GOOD NATURED the benefits of outdoor learning
NOUN PROJECT; IMAGE COURTESY OF CROSS TIMBERS FOREST PRESCHOOL
WORDS
W
ALEXIS PATTERSON
HEN DALLAS MOM ELIZABETH HOFFMAN BEGAN LOOKING AT PRESCHOOLS for her daughter Adelaide
a couple of years ago, her excitement about the milestone quickly dimmed. “I was so sad to learn how much time was spent inside, with only a few opportunities to be outside,” recalls Hoffman, “and the outside time was in very controlled environments—playgrounds, but little nature. I knew that so much of Adelaide’s future would likely be inside and at a desk—I wanted to preserve as much natural time for her as I could.” Hoffman, who decided to enroll her daughter at Dallas Zoo’s Wild Earth Preschool, is on board a movement to increase time young children
spend outside and in nature. And there are multiple opportunities to engage them in nature play across Dallas-Fort Worth as they learn typical early childhood skills. HAPPIER, HEALTHIER
“Children and families who spend time in nature are healthier and happier, and the kids perform better in school,” shares Sarah Coles, Texas Children in Nature Network executive director. She points to research showing that natural environments are tied to higher activity levels, stronger self-esteem and increased creativity, and that children who spend time in nature boost their ability to follow directions, work cooperatively and problem-solve. DFWCHILD | august/september 2021
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