… Social, Cultural, and Geographical Contexts Families, community, and cultural values shape and influence the way that children develop their environmental identity with the natural world. This study aims to understand these influences, particularly how such influences may vary from family to family and in non-rural and rural Alaskan settings. Additionally, the type of environment, or geographical setting, in which children are exposed informs their emotional and behavioral responses to natural stimuli. Exposure to new …
… Place-Based Education Methods Developing one's environmental identity can be as simple as going outside, but it does not end at going outside. Below, we have organized a collection of place-based activities according to theme and topic. These place-based activities encourage learning from and within the local environment. Some of these activities are well-known classics, while others may be new to you. These activities are intended to get people outside and interacting with the natural world. It's through these interactions that we develop our environmental …
… Nature Journaling There are many ways of exploring and experiencing the natural world. Journaling provides a way of exploring, expressing, and collecting one’s thoughts about their relationship with … Journaling can occur as often or rarely as we wish. It’s important to recognize that there are many forms of nature journaling, and every form is valid. When we begin journaling, we may not know the “right” way for us. Take time, be patient, try different things, and look for inspiration from other nature journals and the natural world itself. Nature journaling is … Through these interactions, children can develop a greater sense of Trust in Nature . Journaling may influence greater observation and inquiry, leading to increased Environmental Competency . Journaling can also provide a way of reflecting upon and regulating emotions within the natural world. Finally journaling encourages greater connection to and empathy with …
… varies from child to child and situation to situation. In this project, we study the micro-interactions of children's emotional and behavioral responses to the natural world, recognizing that: Emotions inform behaviors and are intricately linked to cognitive processes Emotional responses develop over time; a situation that triggered an emotional response at one time may trigger a different response at a different time Emotional responses are set in socio-cultural and environmental contexts Emotional responses are individualized; one child’s …
… Scavenger Hunts Scavenger hunts are timeless for a reason. Both children and adults enjoy scavenger hunts. These activities encourage independent exploration, critical thought and … can make your scavenger hunt more or less specific. You can make a general scavenger with items like “something rough” or “something red.” For a more specific and directed hunt, you may include specific specimens, like “the tree with three trunks.” Each type of scavenger hunt will have it benefits, and it is possible to mix elements of both hunts. EID Connections … Spatial Autonomy as they seek each item on the scavenger hunt checklist. Scavenger hunts can also be supported by maps and mapping activities, increasing skills of Environmental Competency . Finally, the activity encourages greater connections with nature, as children feel a sense of accomplishment with each new discovery in nature. The EID Project … …
… Understanding the EID Model The EID Model is fluid , flexible and child-centered . The EID model provides a framework for understanding the process through which a child develops their … was designed in the context of early childhood education, as a tool for caretakers and educators to better understand and support children's EID, but the process of EID development may be lifelong. As seen above, there are four general progressions of development: Trust in Nature vs. Mistrust in Nature, Spatial Autonomy vs. Environmental Shame, Environmental Competency vs, Environmental Disdain, Environmental Action vs. Environmental Harm. Based on a psychosocial theory of identity , progression through each stage is determined by a …
… Art in Nature Artistic interpretation and expression can be powerful methods for connecting with the natural world. Through art, we can relate distant scientific notions and environmental issues to our lived experiences; an artistic approach can infuse the objective and factual with creativity and emotion (Inwood, 2008). Used in conjunction with PBE, art can provide new ways of reconnecting with the natural world, the human community and ourselves. There are many resources online and in books for place-based nature-inspired art activities. Below, we are providing a simple yet meaningful art project to … onto your paper. After creating your color palette, write the location of your hike on the paper! Supplemental Activities: Using your new color palette, draw or paint an abstract image expressing the feeling or atmosphere of the environment, using lines, shapes and splotches of color. Using your new color palette, write, color and decorate a word that describes …