How Lifestyle Affects Children and Nature

Page 2

The lifestyle of children and their families has changed over the generations. Decades ago children were trained at home to contribute to the welfare of the family. This is still true for many families, particularly those in agricultural communities. Children weeded gardens, cared for younger siblings, helped with meals, brought in firewood, and contributed to many of the tasks that kept the household going.    

​Toys were created and not bought at the store. Dolls, wagons, and blocks were made from natural materials by a family member or traded in the community. Play-dough was the left over dough from pies or bread. A child’s play ground was the yard, a vacant lot and the surrounding neighborhood. Children could be seen riding their bicycles to school, the store, and the local baseball game. No longer. Parents have become more diligent about the safety of their children, and slowly decreased the freedom that the children once knew.    

Video: Preschoolers and Outdoor Play with Dr. Pooja Tandon  
Source: SeattleChildrens
Length: 1.25 minutes​
To view this video on YouTube click here 

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Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
​2. How Lifestyle Affects 
3. Children and Nature Now
4. Reflection (1/6)
5. Children & Nature Movement
6. Reflection (2/6)
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7. Kids and Outdoor Play
8. Kids and Outdoor Play (3/6)
9. What is Nature Deficit?
10. Nature Deficit (4/6)
11. Possible Health Effects
12. Outdoor Environments
13. Nature in the Classroom

14. Classroom Environment
15. The Outdoor Classroom
16. Natural Playscape
17. Outside in Cool Weather (5/6)
18. End of Course Quiz (7/7)
19. Course Evaluation Form​
Parking Lot