Sneak peak tour of the newest Green Elephant Early Learning Centre - Waterloo

Once again it was a total pleasure working with Greg And Effie to create a design for this purpose built centre. It makes a great difference to have owners and architects who are both knowledgeable and enthusiastic to embrace the benefits of natural play environments. I have previously discussed the emergence in Sydney of centres such as this in my post Childcare playspace design response to population density changes.  This centre sits within a large complex and helps to define the space, adds to the total greenspace and provides a homelike environment for children of families who live and work in the area.

Balancing the Digital Divide: With Santa Fe Public Schools' Digital Learning Plan funded to move forward, some question whether that means kids need to learn how to power-down, too

Balancing the Digital Divide: With Santa Fe Public Schools' Digital Learning Plan funded to move forward, some question whether that means kids need to learn how to power-down, too

The full article can be read from the hyperlink above

During a field trip about a decade ago, Katherine Bueler stopped her science students beside a duck pond to soak in the spring afternoon. She broke out a Frisbee and asked who wanted to play. None of them did, instead turning their eyes down to their cellphones.

“It was disappointing and kind of freaky,” Bueler says. “It was one of those early moments where I realized, whoa, this is different.”

Local councils still using pesticide that WHO warns 'probably causes cancer' - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Local councils still using pesticide that WHO warns 'probably causes cancer' - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

The full article can be read from the hyperlink above

The subject of the use of pesticides and fungicides in playgrounds and playspaces is covered comprehensively in Garden maintenance for playspaces

"Councils across Australia are using the pesticide glyphosate to kill weeds in sensitive areas like playgrounds, despite a World Health Organisation (WHO) warning the chemical probably causes cancer."

We're Doing Preschool All Wrong, Says New Book

We're Doing Preschool All Wrong, Says New Book

The full article can be read from the hyperlink above

Preschool expulsions? ADD drugs for 2-3 to three year olds? This could be the terrifying road ECE in Australia could go down by aping the US.  "Disappearing are the days when preschools were havens for free play and make believe. They're now factories for rote memorization and dry instruction,.......What Preschoolers Really Need From Grownups, she argues that preschools are no longer giving children enough room to play, leading them to become less inquisitive, curious thinkers -- qualities they need to become successful adults......."Why, when kids are so programmed to learn, are they having trouble?" ....... "We know they're having trouble because we have an actual epidemic of preschool expulsions, kids are being medicated off-label as early as 2 or 3 [years old] with attention management drugs, and also we have more anecdotal evidence that parents are very frustrated."

Nature Camps Aim to Draw Kids From Screens to the Outdoors - ABC News

Nature Camps Aim to Draw Kids From Screens to the Outdoors - ABC News

The full article can be read from the hyperlink above

Photo property of Outdoors Alliance for Kids

"So many children can easily name a hundred brands for commercial goods, but they can't name a hundred plants in their backyard. 

Experts hail more focus on outdoor education, Education News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Experts hail more focus on outdoor education, Education News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

The full article can be read from the hyperlink above

"In a merit-oriented society like Singapore, it is difficult for parents to accept that much learning occurs outdoors," said Prof Ebbeck......."Many children are involved in academic enrichment programmes, which limits the amount of time children have to explore the outdoor environment."

City children being sold short over the right to play (From Herald Scotland)

City children being sold short over the right to play (From Herald Scotland)

The full article can be read from the hyperlink above

 “We’ve had children here who tell us that this is the first time they’ve played somewhere like this, or even that it’s the first time they have played outdoors all year. "..........“These spaces do exist but quite often they are barricaded in, or they are not accessible to children or need cleaned up. It’s about texture, bushes, ponds, wild adventurous space that doesn’t need equipment. These are the type of places that can be used by all age groups.”

Why a walk in the woods really does help your body and your soul

Why a walk in the woods really does help your body and your soul

The full article can be read from the hyperlink above

"Considering 'microbial diversity' as an ecosystem service provider may contribute to bridging the chasm between ecology and medicine/ immunology [… ] the relationships our individual bodies have with our microbiomes are a microcosm for the vital relationships our species shares with countless other organisms with which we share the planet.'