Page 26 - NatureStart Network
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NatureStart Network Tips for Accessible and Relevant
Connecting Families with Nature for ALL Members of the Family
• Fathers and father figures. Create programs
• Adult family members want to be perceived
as knowledgeable, so be gentle in correcting specifically for these often-overlooked family
misinformation they may share with children. Jill members. Targeting fathers and adult males can
Bradley borrows the “yes and” approach from improv increase family participation.
theater, in which you build onto a person’s statement • Grand-Families. In many families, grandparents
by starting with the phrase “yes, and….” Grandma are living with, raising, or otherwise supporting
says, “That leaf is poison ivy.” You say, “Yes, and grandchildren. Grand-families are important
while this isn’t poison ivy, you definitely need to be influencers and should be included in programming
careful not to touch it when you find it. Poison ivy and decision-making.
has three leaves, so it’s easy to remember this saying, • Teenagers. It’s not just tiny tots who benefit from
‘leaves of three, let it be.’” nature play experiences. Consider the roles teens can
have in your family nature play programs.
• Provide clear information to families, such as “how • Infants and children under three. The “diaper zone”
to” guides with information about getting to nature often is underrepresented in program and resource
areas; if participants bring babies, will changing planning, but babies love exploring the textures
rooms be available, and other FAQs. Give families and colors of the natural world, developing motor
lots of materials, but not too many instructions. functions along the way.
• Children with differing abilities and disabilities.
• Create relevant nature experiences. Many families Nature play activities have shown to be beneficial for
prefer if there is a direct connection to their day-to- children with differing needs and abilities, such as
day lives, such as understanding what plants go into youth with sensory and cognitive challenges.
favorite foods or have healing properties. Allowing
the child’s interests to lead can increase relevance for CHAPTER SUMMARY AT-A-GLANCE
the family. • It is important to recognize the inherent worth
• Meet people where they are. Some adult influencers and value of each family, to appreciate the unique
may be inexperienced with nature or may have strengths, abilities, and capacities of each family.
been discouraged from exploring or playing in • To connect children with nature and support children’s
nature when they were children. Families may growth, learning, and development, it’s important to
express concerns about what is appropriate or support and nurture their families as well.
allowed. Unstructured opportunities in nature can • Helping families feel comfortable begins with
be as valuable or more valuable than structured understanding their concerns and constraints, their
programming. As families first venture out into unique strengths, their starting point, and using this
nature, it’s a good idea to have the nature play area knowledge to inform program development. Families
near a building. They can see that indoors is not should be involved in this process as equal, valued
far away in case they get nervous, need a restroom, partners and collaborators.
shade, water, etc.
• Identify families’ needs and address potential
barriers such as transportation and language
(have multilingual and multicultural materials,
volunteers, and program facilitators). Build trust and
relationships with families in advance and involve
families in these conversations and decisions.
• Involve families as program partners and advisors in
developing new programs, activities, and approaches.
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