designing nature-based outdoor spaces for...
TRANSCRIPT
Designing Nature-Based Outdoor Spaces For Children:
The Power of Staff, Family and Community Involvement
By Jim Wike, ASLA, CLARB natureexplore.org
Children’s Growing Disconnection From Nature
Common outdoor play space for today’s children
A Different Model: Bringing nature to where children spend their days.
Parks and Botanical Gardens Elementary Schools Nature Refuges
Childcare Centers Zoos and Museums Libraries
Tips for Working With Staff, Families, Community Members
Who to Involve?
Help Everyone Understand the Life-Changing Benefits
Nature buffers the impact of life stress on children and helps them deal with adversity. The greater the amount of nature exposure, the greater the benefits.
(Wells 2003)
Children who spend time in well-designed Nature Explore Classrooms with nurturing adults develop valuable skills across all learning domains.
(Miller 2007)
Horticultural therapist Sheila Taft draws on scientific research when she notes,
“As little as four minutes in a garden will start to reduce stress, improve mood, and steady the vital signs.”
Nature helps children develop powers of observation and creativity and instills a sense of peace and being at one with the world.
(Crain 2001)
Getting Started: Consider Your Cultural Context
What is Your Goal?
Early Education Programs
Early Education Programs
Elementary Schools
Natural Settings
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, USA
Natural Settings
Shaw Nature Reserve, Missouri, USA
Home Child Care Settings
Laurie’s Inn, Wyoming, USA
Spaces for Healing
At Military Child Development Centers and Youth Centers
At Domestic Violence Shelters
Spaces for Healing
Spaces for Healing
At Medical Centers
On-Site Childcare: Lakeshore Learning Materials, Carson, CA, USA
Corporate On-Site Child Care
Before
A Great Example of Involvement by Many: Child Saving Institute
After
Gather Many Ideas
Child Saving Institute
Concept Plan
After
Child Saving Institute
Child Saving Institute
After
Child Saving Institute
Natural Design Elements: Opportunities for Involvement
Entry Features
Entry Features
Open Areas
Places for Close Observation
Places for Close Observation
Loose Parts
Loose Parts
Music and Movement
Music and Movement
Music and Movement
Places that Inspire A Sense of Beauty,
Artistic Expression
Outdoor Building
Outdoor Building
Gardening
Gardening
Gardening
Raised Bed
Native Plant Pathways
Sand
Dirt-Digging
Add Creative Touches
Pizza Pavers Murals
Use Strategies For Your Climate
Gather Ideas for Regional Materials
Spaces That Families Can Also Create
Bird Feeders
Worm Bins
Groups To Involve
Master Gardeners Artists / Sculptors
Groups To Involve
College / High School Students
Groups To Involve
Families / Siblings / Grandparents
Involvement Materials for Families
Families’ Club natureexplore.org
Environmental Action Kit worldforumfoundation.org/nature
Administrators & Licensing Agencies
Build a Sense of Teamwork
Foster a Sense of Wonder: Nature Exchange
“When we are dreaming alone, it is only a dream.
When we are dreaming together, it is the beginning of reality.”
– Dom Helder Camara
natureexplore.org