Childhood and Nature

by Sobel, David

• ISBN13: 9781571107411
• ISBN10: 157110741X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-04-30
• Publisher: Stenhouse Pub

Summary

Public discussions of global climate change and other threats to the planet are making children more aware of environmental issues. As increasing numbers of kids come to school wishing to take action, educators want to know how to teach in a way that fosters a love of nature and an understanding of the complexity and seriousness of these issues. In Childhood and Nature, noted educator David Sobel makes the case that meaningful connections with the natural world don't begin in the rainforest or arctic, but in our own backyards and communities. Through the concept of place-based education, this book provides seven design principles that can guide teachers in structuring learning experiences for children that connect to the curriculum and the community.

Author Biography

David T. Sobel is the director of Teacher Certification Program in the Department of Education and director of the Center for Place-based Education at Antioch University New England.

Table of Contents

Replacing contempt with love	p. 1
"Appareled in celestial light" : transcendent nature experiences in childhood	p. 9
Children and nature design principles	p. 19
The rest of the stories	p. 59
Chart of design principles	p. 61
Take back the afternoon	p. 63
Mapping McCabe : connecting curriculum and community	p. 71
Authentic curriculum	p. 75
Valley quest : strengthening community through educational treasure hunts	p. 99
The sky above, the Internet below	p. 109
Island play : Disney World is like a flea compared to Whitehead	p. 117
Place-based education in Guilford, Vermont : thinking locally, understanding globally	p. 131
Global climate change meets ecophobia	p. 141
Ancient Greece in Vermont	p. 153
References	p. 155
Index	p. 161
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.