Embracing the Natural World

We look at what might be done to help children understand and feel, authentically, that they are a very real part of our natural world. Being part of something develops into a deeper understanding and our wish is to send them along their life path with gratitude and love for this gentle place we call Earth.

When we refer to “natural” we are thinking, living and breathing that which is derived from the Earth. When I think of the ideal natural setting in which we can let children discover what vibrant life forms exist in, for instance, a forest, I think of Lake Lagunitas, the location of our annual graduation celebration. I watch how exuberant, free, relaxed and joyful, the children become as the forest seems to claim them for the few hours we visit there. It’s not so much embracing the natural world there as being embraced “by” it. The question then becomes: how do we accomplish this magnificent connection within a city environment? Not a simple question. The answers to which are many and we begin with bringing as much of the natural world into the classroom as we possibly can. And, since this is a topic upon which books could, should, and have been written about, please follow our blog as we travel the unending path of discovery learning about and loving our beautiful world!