share with the purpose of learning
Childhood has become disconnected from the natural world. Likewise, the classroom has also become a place that forgets children thrive by connecting to the natural world. As parents and teachers, we have a powerful influence on how our children spend their time. We are the gatekeepers of the world beyond walls. We have the authority to ditch textbooks and screens in exchange for real experiences in natural surroundings. There has never been a time that being outdoors, connecting with and learning about nature was more important.
Every Child Outdoors was created by me. I am an educator among many other things but, most importantly, I am a mom who knows the struggle of raising nature-connected children in a digital and standards-based culture. I am all of these things all of the time and my site reflects the nature of my being. I don’t physically separate myself into parts as I navigate life and I often wonder why we spend so much energy keeping the pieces of ourselves separate. I often hear people talking about “my professional self” and “my personal self”... Yes, I say…. I understand that when I am acting in a professional capacity I may mute or highlight other parts of my being. Indeed, I explicitly teach my students about the importance of being able to “code switch.” Knowing when to be what self or how to be what self is a key factor in success. I get it.
At the same time, I do not subscribe to the idea that you can 100% remove any one piece of who you are when acting in the capacity of another piece of you. It is impossible to separate my experiences as mom from my experiences as an educator. Mom beautifully evolved into educator. Even though I frequently have to change hats, sometimes wearing two or more at once, the rest of me is still there –always, still there informing my experience. I think this is especially true for women. I think this can also be true for men. I think revealing this part of life to young people is essential.
In light of our many pieces, my website follows suit.
The focus of my website is to share information with the purpose of increasing our children's proximity to the natural world. Maybe you are learning to be a better educator or parent. Your reason for visiting and for coming back is up to you.
Things are under construction as I figure out just how much technical savvy I do not posses and as I collaborate with my brilliant students who often know how to do what I do not. Stay tuned.
Kathryn