Wednesday, March 23, 2011

LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv

"Business people and politicians report less emphasis on nature experiences in early childhood than do artists."

"Nature presents the young with something so much greater than they are; it offers an environment where they can easily contemplate infinity and eternity. 

"As of this writing only seven states even require elementary schools to hire certified physical education instructors. This has occurred in a country where 40 percent of five-to-eight-year-olds suffer cardiac risk factors such as obesity"

"Now for some good news. Studies suggest that nature may be useful as a therapy for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), used with or, when appropriate, even replacing medications or behavioral therapies."

"Some researchers now recommend that parents and educators make available more nature experiences - especially green places - to children with ADHD, and thereby support their attentional functioning and minimize their symptoms."