CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE!
Tomorrow, I am reading a book and leading an exercise to a group of 26 five year olds in San Diego, California. I truly believe these kids can influence the world! Starting here in Sunny Diego! One house at a time! One parent at a time!
I used to volunteer to read to five and six year olds about whales and the ocean. I remember never wanting to leave the classroom. Those precious smiles. Those beautiful eyes. The innocence and complete amazement. I can only hope the kids of today are as sweet and pure as I remember them 20 years ago!
Actually, I believe they are that sweet and pure. I now have my own daughter that teaches me to look through her eyes everyday. What a gift!
The book, “One Tree” written by Leslie Bockol and illustrated by Jillian Phillips will be the first book I will read this year. It’s designed for ages 3-6 and is made from 98% recycled materials. For more information on this book and others, please go to www.innovativekids.com.
I have been researching conservation for kids. Googling and YouTubing mostly. I have found many great videos on water conservation and energy conservation. Here are two I liked in particular (please watch with your kids):
- Teach Kids to Go Green: Picture Book - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyNPa37G_2s
- PWC Kids Talk Conservation - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM9VNv7Ak6U
Even though these videos are incredibly inspirational for kids. I believe there might be an even more important message for these children and their parents.
NATURE! FRESH AIR! BEAUTY!
What do these mean to you? How long has it been since you went on a hike? Or camping? Or swimming in the ocean? I ask because I believe we are surrounded by paved roads, parking lots, traffic, lawn mower noise, deadlines, errands, television, computers, smart phones, WII, pools, etcetera. I think you get the idea! We are surrounded by distractions that take us away, far away, from nature and serenity!
One of my new year’s resolutions this year was to take my daughter on a hike twice a month. I’ve been good to my word! Lake Poway, Torrey Pines and several San Diego Beaches to name just a few! Now, I would like to influence other San Diegans to break away from the daily routines and go find nature, take a hike, and/or have a picnic. YES, see some trees (you don’t need to hug them ... unless you want to!).
Not convinced yet? Here’s a great video to inspire you and your kids to reconnect with nature:
- Re-Connecting Kids with Nature - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3vgC3qCbGk
I also took the recommendation of the video to go to www.discovertheforest.org. Just submit your zip code and and search for forests and parks close to you! You may search for 15, 30 or 50 miles away. You wouldn't believe how many are listed for San Diego County and across the United States. This might also be a good tool when you go on vacation.
FOR THE PARENTS
Last but not least, I want to offer one more resource for the parents:
- First, watch this video about Last Child in the Woods - http://richardlouv.com/books/last-child/videos/
- Then please read, “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder,” a substantial, well-researched and provocative book about how the absence of nature in our children’s lives has a direct link to the rise in obesity, attention disorders and depression. This book is written by our very own Richard Louv, columnist for the San Diego Union-Tribune. The Boston Globe says, “This book is an absolute must-read for parents.”
DON'T LET THIS BE YOUR CHILD ...
“I like to play indoors better ‘cause that’s where all the electrical outlets are,” quote from a fourth-grader in San Diego.
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