Working Forum on Nature Education for Young Children
Over 250 early childhood educators, members of the environmental community, environmental designers, and community planners from 25 nations met in October 2006 at Arbor Day Farm, where they discussed how to effect changes that make developmentally appropriate nature education a sustaining and enriching part of the daily lives of the world’s children. Some highlights of the four day event:
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Presentations were made by 32 early childhood educators, environmental educators and advocates, and environmental planners and designers.
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Attendees were divided into discussion teams of ten. Under the leadership of a facilitator, each team met for over 7 hours to elaborate on the issues raised by the presenters. Key points of each discussion were captured by “analysts.”
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Paul Winter and Being Art presented participative music and dance concerts.
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Attendees toured the magnificent grounds of Arbor Day Farm, participated in an outdoor barbeque, and enjoyed several international buffets showcasing recipes submitted by attendees.
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The Nature Action Collaborative for Children (NACC) was formed, creating a network of members interested in connecting young children with nature.
The next Working Forum on Nature Education will be held at Arbor Day Farm in July, 2008. Visit The World Forum Foundation's website for more information.
Anyone interested in reconnecting children with nature, can join our Nature Action Collaborative for Children.
