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Hi Deb,
This is a terrific discussion and I know there is interest in this on the forum. John Thielbahr and others refer to the idea of "Naturebraries". Richard Louv wrote a column about them here: http://www.childrenandnature.org/blog/2011/03/02/how-libraries-can-.... At my own local library, in Mill Valley, CA, patrons can check out "Experience Backpacks" that include local field guides, binoculars, maps and other items to help kids experience nearby nature.
I'm going to announce this discussion in the Natural Teachers Group in the hopes of bringing more people in. Thanks again for starting it.
We work weekly and enthusiastically with libraries in our community and in other states with our eco-educational series Let's Go Chipper. Many libraries don't have the resources - staff or funding - to bring in programs and we come in with a comprehensive program that sends kids into the arms of their parents with new ideas to help connect families together, and in nature.
Within one hour our program gives kids and parents new, and simple ideas to take home. It also gets them to the shelf looking for new books to read. If the library has an outdoor space we spend time outside. It includes:
Storytime
Stretch and sing
Role playing
Craft activity
"What did we learn"
Our books have a "what did you learn" at the end and it's the perfect transition to role playing. We work with special needs to on-the-go families and the response is always very positive. Whether it's our book series or ideas you are looking for, I'm happy to share.
We have great Chipper Ambassador kits for libraries and schools which are underwritten for organizations in need. Please email me directly if you would like me to send you the complete packet and information stephanie@itsallgoodmediainc.com.
Google "Storywalks"
It's a great idea from new Hampshire, I believe. Here's the concept: Choose a popular children's story. Take a page from the story and line it up on a trail. Kids and parents hike from page to page, with adventure spots on the way. It can be self-guided or led by a teacher/naturalilst. St. Paul Public libraries and St. Paul Parks and Recreation have teamed together and are offering it for the first time this summer.
Love it!
Hi Deb,
This is a terrific discussion and I know there is interest in this on the forum. John Thielbahr and others refer to the idea of "Naturebraries". Richard Louv wrote a column about them here: http://www.childrenandnature.org/blog/2011/03/02/how-libraries-can-.... At my own local library, in Mill Valley, CA, patrons can check out "Experience Backpacks" that include local field guides, binoculars, maps and other items to help kids experience nearby nature.
I'm going to announce this discussion in the Natural Teachers Group in the hopes of bringing more people in. Thanks again for starting it.
We work weekly and enthusiastically with libraries in our community and in other states with our eco-educational series Let's Go Chipper. Many libraries don't have the resources - staff or funding - to bring in programs and we come in with a comprehensive program that sends kids into the arms of their parents with new ideas to help connect families together, and in nature.
Within one hour our program gives kids and parents new, and simple ideas to take home. It also gets them to the shelf looking for new books to read. If the library has an outdoor space we spend time outside. It includes:
Storytime
Stretch and sing
Role playing
Craft activity
"What did we learn"
Our books have a "what did you learn" at the end and it's the perfect transition to role playing. We work with special needs to on-the-go families and the response is always very positive. Whether it's our book series or ideas you are looking for, I'm happy to share.
We have great Chipper Ambassador kits for libraries and schools which are underwritten for organizations in need. Please email me directly if you would like me to send you the complete packet and information stephanie@itsallgoodmediainc.com.
Google "Storywalks"
It's a great idea from new Hampshire, I believe. Here's the concept: Choose a popular children's story. Take a page from the story and line it up on a trail. Kids and parents hike from page to page, with adventure spots on the way. It can be self-guided or led by a teacher/naturalilst. St. Paul Public libraries and St. Paul Parks and Recreation have teamed together and are offering it for the first time this summer.
Love it!
Hi Deb,
Sorry to be late to this important discussion. You have seen some great ideas and posts already, in response to your post about nature-based libraries. I am sure you have read Rich's blog about Naturebraries, the one Suz referenced. In that blog is a story about Middle Country Public Library's Nature Explorium in New York, which inspired several of us to start a new pilot "Naturebrary" project in Huntington Beach, California for 5-12 year olds already registered in a STEM summer learning program, led by Lori Kiesser of Inside the Outdoors, one of C&NN's most active coalition members. We will be reviewing the results of that pilot at our leadership gathering in San Diego in September. Stay tuned for further initiatives that focus on nature-based children's literacy programs combined with related nature-based activities, along the lines of our "Where Nature Meets Story" section of our web site. At some point, we want to pull all these library/literacy/writing ideas together for a national-scope program. Many thanks for your interest in this, and keep sending good ideas out for others to share. We have a Group site called "Storytelling About Nature." Please join that group as well as the Natural Teachers Network. Best wishes, John
Thank you - I hope you are well Suz!
Stephanie
Suz Lipman said:
Hi Deb,
This is a terrific discussion and I know there is interest in this on the forum. John Thielbahr and others refer to the idea of "Naturebraries". Richard Louv wrote a column about them here: http://www.childrenandnature.org/blog/2011/03/02/how-libraries-can-.... At my own local library, in Mill Valley, CA, patrons can check out "Experience Backpacks" that include local field guides, binoculars, maps and other items to help kids experience nearby nature.
I'm going to announce this discussion in the Natural Teachers Group in the hopes of bringing more people in. Thanks again for starting it.
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