Free Range Children

Had a great discussion last night with a good friend, talking about how children in America don't get the opportunity to go outside and just play without adult supervision. Maybe with a movement towards eating eggs from free range chicken, we can start a movement of having more free range children!  Let them explore!  One of the best books on this subject that I have read is "Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv.  I highly recommend it!  In Chapter 18, he makes a great argument for lowering the barriers of the litigious society we live in. 

Today in class, a young lady was very afraid of our shoreline sampling activity; putting on water shoes and wading into the river with nets to catch critters. She took the plunge, so to speak, and her curiosity helped her overcome her fears!  She was my best critter catcher today after just a little encouragement!  One of the best things I get to do every day, but especially with this activity, is to watch them transform, in under 2 hours, from scared and nervous to excited and adventuresome!  It reaffirms that what I do here makes a difference.  Isn't that what we all want?!  I am so thankful for the opportunity!  

Today is teacher appreciation day and my experiences with my classes today definitely make me feel appreciated!  The photo for today is a picture of my classroom at "the point" for shoreline sampling. The boat in the distance gives you some perspective!