Nature and Spirituality During the Early Years [Paperback]

1. At Home in Nature; 2. Who Has Seen the Wind?; 3. Experiences In and With Nature; 4. Spiritual Benefits; 5. Spiritual Roots; 6. Trail Guide; 7. A Proposed Framework; 8. Nature Play; 9. Mindfulness in Nature; 10. Philosophical Thinking; 11. Wonder, Aesthetics, and The Creative Arts; 12. Stories, Poems, and Storytelling

This practical and easy-to-read guide shows you how to integrate nature-connectedness and spiritual development into your early childhood teaching, whether in a nature-based forest program or a more traditional one.

In the 1990s, psychologists began to systematically explore the contributions of spirituality to human wellbeing, but the importance of time in nature for young childrens spiritual development remained a neglected topic. This book corrects that oversight, showing many ways that engaging with nature deepens childrens spiritualitywith benefits for children and the care and protection of the natural worldand suggesting activities to encourage these connections. Firmly grounded in research as well as experience in early childhood education, this book balances scholarship and practical recommendations with poetry, story and reflection.

-?????? Louise Chawla, University of Colorado Boulder

Research?has much to say about how nature enhances children's learning, health, mental health and environmental?stewardship. Ruth Wilson persuades us that there is something more to it. By exploring?something within the child (spirituality). within nature (sacredness), and within their relationship (reciprocity),?Ruth Wilson deftly fills this gap,?

-?????? Cathy Jordan, PhD., Consulting Director of Research, Children & Nature Network

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Ruth Wilson comprehensively draws on her many years of experience to turn the tide with this publication. Childrens nature connections, spirituality and sustalÃu