Page 38 - NatureStart Network
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“We’ve seen clear change and that people are using what science curriculum.
they learned as part of NatureStart Network. They are • Pharmaceuticals’ profits are going to drop as a result
becoming more comfortable with presenting nature play.
Collaborations are already forming. I have so many ideas!” of more time spent in nature.
• Teacher training will include working in and with
–Jacqui Ulrich, deputy director, Conservation & Experiential
Programming, FPDCC nature, internships at nature centers, observations of
environmental educators.
“I feel a sense of pride by what has been accomplished so • The Golden Acorn Award. Daycare centers, nature
far—to see it all come together and to be part of something play schools and preschools will be recognized for
that is touching the lives of families across the city. There’s their excellent integration of nature in education.
such potential here to grow and spread across communities • Chicago Nature Play Network will be recognized
into other communities.” nationally and other regions will quickly adopt.
• All early childhood education centers will have an
–Marisol Brambila, play program coordinator, outdoor classroom, one for each age group.
Chicago Zoological Society • All early childhood licensing and standards include
nature education. Playground design will include
As the NatureStart Network continues to grow, as nature nature play spaces.
play becomes de rigueur in educating and inspiring • The actual physical landscape of Chicago metro area
urban children and their families, what do current will change with more green spaces that are better
participants envision for the future? connected (neighborhood gardens, parks, forest
At our May 2016 symposium, participants and preserves).
partners in the NatureStart Network described their • When parents are searching for preschools they will
hopes and visions for impacts over time. seek those that incorporate nature play.
NatureStart Network participants were asked
to imagine that the network continued to grow and What We Need to Achieve that Vision:
strengthen over the next five years, and to complete the • Widely communicated data and validation about the
sentence, “When nature play is every day, then_______.”
They then described what was needed to achieve that health benefits of nature play.
vision. • Use existing resources to build community gardens—
When Nature Play is Every Day: all seasons for everyone.
• We’re going to start seeing more people playing and • Spur advocacy to deeply root nature education.
enjoying the outdoors. Prevent it from becoming “flavor of the month.”
• There’s going to be a reduction in urban violence. • Host “playshops” instead of workshops. Soon people
• Childhood obesity is going to drop; we’re going to
will realize this is where energy emanates.
see positive health outcomes. • Ensure sustainable, consistent partnerships. Establish
• The Chicago public school system will be the first
a system so other partnerships can be implemented
school district to adopt nature play as fundamental elsewhere.
• Provide a naturalist in every school.
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