Benefits of time in nature & a longer, slower childhood!

LK Toohey, MS, CCLS, Forest Guide • February 21, 2022

How does connecting with nature support the WHOLE child?

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlights the importance of a longer, slower childhood. Nature can greatly contribute to a longer, slower childhood and positively influence all areas of child development.

What does this mean?

Children need enriching and "varied" positive experiences for their brains to remain malleable for longer periods of time.
Children learn there are many possibilities and often more than one answer to a question when they spend significant time in nature.
The forest gives space for children to follow their curiosity and wonder. Nature is constantly changing, encouraging children to discover and play in novel ways.

It’s all about the brain! The architecture of the brain includes and ongoing process of neuron activity!

The early years are the most active time period for neural connections to be formed.
Connections are early in the brain build the foundation for later connections.
In summary, the early childhood experiences will shape how well the brain functions through adulthood.

A Harvard article notes how “emotional well-being and social competence provide a strong foundation for emerging cognitive abilities.” Children NEED early connections to self and others before they can enter the academic setting where self-awareness, body control, focus/attention and social skills are the primary mechanism to thrive.

As we age, our brains naturally become less skilled in exploration and desire to engage in NEW activities. A slower, longer childhood allows for the brain to develop at a pace where malleability is high and therefore, they remain open to learning.

What about children with frequent negative experiences? When children experience many negative or stressful experiences, their brain develops at a rapid pace, which is not optimal for continued learning and flexibility.

What must be considered to positively influence the young developing brain?

Varied nurturing environments
Areas where children feel safe to take healthy risks, feel supported, and can thrive
Connections to others, nature and self
The foundation for successful later years
Unstructured play opportunities
Opportunities to practice leadership, social skills, and flexibility

Having your child enrolled in our programs is one way you are enhancing their development and laying the groundwork for social-emotional competence, necessary for success! Investing in the early years of childhood for quality experiences will lead to better long-term outcomes in adulthood! NPR recently published an article that sparked our attention titled, "A top researcher says it's time to rethink our entire approach to preschool" and notes how children in structured settings are expected to be quiet, listen to the teachers, and are expected to absorb information. In the forest, children are encouraged to communicate, ask questions, and feel empowered to engage in child-led learning and play.

Interestingly, we learn that families of wealth are not choosing these state-wide structured preschools as often. They are choosing programs that focus on: art, music, movement, and NATURE. The research focuses in on a statewide preschool in Tennessee, where children were shown to perform poorly academically in the long-term compared to the children who did not attend. Additionally, the author notes how PLAY is the primary way in which children learn, and need the opportunity speak openly.

At River’s Edge, we believe play is the best way children learn, and is the right of the child! When we take this unstructured play away and primarily have our children indoors for academic learning, they are not taking appropriate risks, learning how to control their bodies, using essential executive functioning and problem-solving skills. Movement has been shown to facilitate regulation and calm for children who are experiencing dysregulation. How can children reset their mind and bodies in a setting where they are being told what to do constantly and not given freedom to explore?

Researchers are not the only ones noting the need for quality preschools and nature based learning. State leaders are beginning to recognize the importance of connecting our communities and young children with nature. Maryland House Bill 376 titled “Outdoor Preschool License Pilot Program” was examined on January 19th.

The bill includes launching a pilot program for licensing of outdoor preschools
River’s Edge will likely be chosen to become one of the pilot school locations
River’s Edge Forest Play will be receiving a visit early April from the Maryland State Senator, Sarah Elfreth
The pilot program will aim to investigate benefits of outdoor, nature-based classrooms, and expand accessibility to high-quality learning child care programs

Sources: Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University

Alison Gopnik, The Wall Street Journal

Anya Kamenetz, NPR: Education

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Winter in the Forest - January 2023

By LK, Director of FORESTplay & Certified Child Life Specialist • January 22, 2023

Building fires together Winter weather also presents the opportunity to build fires together and practice fire safety techniques. We teach children fire safety rules such as three points of contact with the ground and not to run or play in the fire pit area. Many groups enjoy working as a team to collect sticks and help set up the logs for burning. Sometimes, we are able to cook over the fire together, making baked apples, soup, and more.

Enjoying Fall in the River's Edge Forest

By LK Baldwin, FORESTPlay Director • November 18, 2022

Thank you for allowing us to work with your children. We are so appreciative for all of our supportive families in the River’s Edge community. Happy Thanksgiving!

Summertime, the River's Edge Way!

By LK Toohey, MS, CCLS, Forest Guide • July 1, 2022

FORESTcamps: where childhood comes to life with imagination and wonder!

Winter Adventures & Connecting with Nature Tips

By LK Toohey, MS, CCLS, Forest Guide • March 11, 2022

Spending significant time in nature has been linked to better overall physical and mental health, in addition to children having better academic performance. In all of our River’s Edge programs, children are moving their bodies and testing limits as they play. The natural materials provided allow for creativity and expression, in addition to the development of physical strengths. Throughout the winter, we have been taking many hikes and ventures to see what we could find in the forest and what changes may have occurred in the colder weather. There is rarely a dull moment as children begin to notice frozen water along the creek, frost covering the ground, many nut shells surrounding the trees, and more. As children become more experienced in the forest, we observe them beginning to notice natural elements on their own and showing them to us as guides, rather than us being always the first to point a discovery out.

NATURE, the ultimate sensory experience for young children!

By LK Toohey, MS, CCLS, Forest Guide • February 25, 2022

Proprioception tells us how much force or muscle strength to use for different activities. This sense helps us know how to complete tasks such as picking things up gently, knowing how to put something down without force, and being overall more aware of our bodies. Nature offers plenty of full bodied play that will stimulate the proprioceptive sense. When children build forts with palettes or planks, they are engaging in “heavy work.” Heavy work provides sensory input and can be therapeutic as children focus to pick up a heavy log and have to coordinate with their body. Other examples may include: pushing a swing, pulling the rope swing or a heavy wagon, or digging with a shovel.

Rain Gear for Kids – West River, MD – River’s Edge Forest Play

Winter and Rain Gear for Kids

By websitebuilder • December 7, 2021

Finding the right gear to keep your kids warm and dry shouldn't be so complicated! Here are the brands we have tested and recommend! Note: River's Edge is an Amazon Associate which means we earn from qualifying purchases when you use the amazon links below! Thanks for your support!