Eco-Friendly Santa

Christmas is quickly approaching and gift shopping is in full swing. While we spend our dollars on manufactured store bought gifts we should keep our eyes open for environmentally friendly options. Things we buy have a bigger impact on our environment than we may have previously been aware of. We need to be consciences about what materials are used to make our gifts. Plastic stays in our environment forever and never breaks down, that is why recycling plastic is very important. I could go on about how we are contributing to environmental problems, but the more important step is actually taking action on the knowledge we have. Making responsible choices this Christmas season not only makes a difference to our environment but also impacts the lives of our children. Keeping the health of the environment as our top priority this season can make a difference in our children’s lives as they watch and follow what we do. Connecting our green choices to the theories of nature play is just as important as playing in nature. Making it a great way to ease your kids into the topics of why eco-friendly toys are different and special.

Now the steps for taking action can include finding alternative gifts, making your own gifts or giving the gift of an experience. These choices are easy, simple and they have the potential to be more personal as well.

Toys:

Like I mentioned before the biggest problem with common kid toys is the plastic used to make them. So finding toys that are recyclable or made of recycled materials is the main goal. I have already done some research and have come across some pretty cool alternatives that I think would made a great hit this Christmas.

• §  HULKI play houses are super cool animal shaped play houses that are completely recyclable. Kid’s toys only last so long because they are continuously growing and their interests grow along with them. So this is a great options that is completely recyclable when they move on to the next toy.
• §  The Green Life offers a large variety of toys for babies and young children that are made with eco-friendly materials. They are cruelty-free, BPA free, non-toxic and recyclable.  

Nature play toys encourages creative imaginative play with natural materials. Check out these ideas for bringing nature into your home.

• § Mud Kitchens are a great way to get your kids outside, they can be purchased or a great DIY project.  
• §  Natural building blocks are a great way to introduce nature play. The blocks could be used for building or even mixed with other loose parts to entertain creativity.

The Gift of An Experience:

While gift giving is a wonderful thing to part take in, all the Christmas parties and family get-togethers have us spending money on physical objects that in a year or so will be out dated, or no longer useful. Another “gift” giving idea that will be remembered for years to come and add to the enrichment of our family’s memories is the gift of an experience. For many years my parents took my younger sister and I on vacation every year to the same location and resort. I also personally know families that pick a different event to attend or vacation spot to visit to celebrate Christmas. The experience and memories you create will last a lot longer than any physical toy. The memories I have of family time together and meeting new friends are honestly some of my most treasured childhood memories.

Whether you are looking for an alternative for common toys, trying out new nature play toys or wanting to give memories as a present this year, there are many more options than what I mentioned in this blog. So do your research and make responsible purchases to make Christmas a little greener this year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Creating Nature Play Space at Home

Going to the park, visiting your local zoo, or hiking through the forest are great ways to get your vitamin “nature”. However, sometimes it would be more convenient to have something available right at home. No need for planning or packing for a trip when you can simply walk outside your door into your very own magical play space. Having natural spaces at your own home is also important to your child’s growth. In studies it has been shown that getting adequate time in nature is just as important as a healthy diet and plenty of sleep.

1    Creating a space for your child to directly engage in nature at home is easier than you may think! There are plenty of DIY tips, tricks and instructions to follow. When pondering over the possibilities picking the right theme for your space will be key to allow you to feel comfortable with your child’s play time. Whether it’s a mud kitchen, a loose parts yard, a water play table or a mixed space of all. You can make the area as aesthetically pleasing or messy and playful depending on your family’s dynamic.

         http://wilderchild.com/nature-play-poster/

      As a nature play teacher, here are some aspects that I have found to be an important key to incorporate in your spaces: 

                          1. Manipulative Pieces

                             2. Safety

                             3. Transition Spaces

                             4. Weather Proofing

Manipulative Pieces

Having loose parts in the natural play spaces is important to create memorable connections. Children are more entertained by loose parts that they can manipulate by themselves. It engages them to use their imagination as they take an item and bring it into their imaginary world. If you provide them a plastic play kitchen set-up, that is exactly what the children use it for and eventually they want to move on to something new. However, if you provide them with items such as logs, tires, boxes, fabric pieces, sticks and pine cones, then the children get to create something from their own imaginations. The set-up is ever changing because of the mobility and flexibility of the materials. It’s a non-stop play“game” for the children and as they play they learn so many life skills. Skills like teamwork, expressing their feelings and ideas, simple and complex lessons of physics or engineering.

 http://modernparentsmessykids.com/how-to-set-up-natural-play-spaces-in/#comment-form

Safety 

Safety may be an obvious aspect to keep in mind. However as loving parents, we do not want to kill the free spirit with too many rules. Of course we should look for life threatening dangers, such as sharp objects, electrical outlets near water or similar situations. But keep in mind while the children play they are also learning. They are learning about their own physical abilities, (that may even surprise you) balance, coordination, strength and weight of different objects. The best way for them to learn all these important tactics, is by doing it themselves. So feel free to let them experience and explore.

Transition Spaces

Transition spaces go a little unnoticed but are important to the kids who may need more space to quietly express themselves. Adding spaces to be gently creative, like a drawing board, musical station or a discovery table in between construction and destruction zones are great transitions. These spaces allow for the children to express their different and unique learning styles, while still being a part of the play.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/541276448936827554/

Weather Proofing 

Weather proofing is an underrated but very important aspect to nature spaces. You want your space to last as much as you enjoy it. Adding shelter of some sort would be loads of fun to extend play time in rainy weather. Making sure all your wooden objects are sealed for water damage will greatly lengthen their lives. I have found sand to be a difficult material to keep around. Rain washes it away and children love to spread it to other places, but if you do choose it, a tarp cover would help preserve it. 

 

Adding plants that properly fit your space will add bountiful life. Rain gardens are fun to add to areas that receive excessive amounts of rain and moisture to help control the flooding.

In conclusion, you have the power to help create meaningful memories outdoors for your children. Creating natural play spaces is convenient and personable. There are many different ways to create magical play spaces, click on the links throughout the article that reference the photos for more inspiration and specifics. Happy exploring!

                                                                                                  http://modernparentsmessykids.com/how-to-set-up-natural-play-spaces-in/#comment-form