The book I chose to share is “Last Child in the Woods – Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder” by Richard Louv. I chose it because I feel it addresses an important issue that isn’t really covered in our teacher education program and therefore suggest that other UBC teacher candidates complete some reading on this topic.
This book really interests me because my background experience in education (before diving down the French/English track) was in environment education/outdoor learning (ie. nature school, Aquavan, interpretive centres). Furthermore, I grew up and received my elementary/secondary education in a rural nature-rich environment which was in stark contrast to what I saw in my practicum in Surrey. “Last Child in the Woods” gave me a deeper understanding of possible reasons people are disconnected from nature, as well as ideas of how to connect my students to nature.
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Awesome recommendation Cassandra.
I think that you are right, their is definitely a need for more outdoor learning within the education system, and especially (as mentioned) in urban settings. Their is much that can be learned and discovered through outdoor education that may be missed within typical classroom settings.
Another resource that speaks to this idea and the importance of including nature in our learning is the video “Children in the Natural World” by Andrew Lindsey.
I am looking forward to reading your book and learning more.
Thanks for sharing this book with our group Cassandra. I think you bring up a very important issue in our schools today. Children are immersed in a learning environment which focuses primarily on being indoors and some educators may be reluctant to take their students outside for various reasons ( comfort level, safety issues, class management, weather etc.). Reading resources such as this one could encourage teachers to take more risks and introduce their students to the great outdoors.