Adult Education Evening: The Crucial Connection: Children in Nature

Tidewater School presents: The Quality of Childhood. A series of three educational evenings for parents, teachers and the whole village raising our children. The last in the series will be: The Crucial Connection: Children in Nature.
Learn more about our 3-part Adult Education Series

Pat Ritter of Nature’s Wonders in Rye offers young explorers a microscopic view of a fascinating backyard find.

Pat Ritter, owner of Nature's Wonders and Dan Gardoqui, co-founder executive director of White Pine Programs will present the importance for children of time spent in natural settings, and conversely, the psychological and physical health effects associated with so-called "nature deficit". These two passionate nature and outdoors educators will also explore the ramifications for our communities, society and planet and propose what we as parents and teachers can do about it!

Nature's Wonders programs, geared for children aged 2-1/2 to eight years, take place on Ritter's own property in Rye, 14 acres which include gardens, marsh, fields, woodland and a greenhouse for exploration. She fosters their sense of wonder through sensory learning, hiking, gardening and close encounters with backyard nature. Ritter is certified in special and elementary education and directed an early childhood center for 20 years. Through Nature's Wonders, she also offers cooking classes which lead children to understand and appreciate where food comes from.

White Pine Programs is a nonprofit educational organization which Gardoqui co-founded in 1999. Located in the heart of the Mount Agamenticus Conservation region of southern Maine, White Pine's mission is to renew connections with the earth and deepen our awareness of place through year-round, nature-based learning programs for all ages. Dan has an M.S. in Natural Resources, is a Certified Wildlife Tracker, Wilderness First Responder, and a Registered Maine Guide. White Pine’s family programs include wildlife tracking, vernal pooling and winter fun.

Gardoqui cites a 1990’s study which documented that kids have far less room to roam these days; in fact, the range they are allowed to wander has shrunk to one ninth of what it was in 1970. "With such tight restrictions on their mobility, combined with the allure of the internet and television, it’s no wonder kids are connecting less with nature," says Gardoqui. “Lots of children today can’t identify an oak tree or a grasshopper. Many kids haven’t felt the rain in their faces, the wind in their hair, or the glow of a campfire. We’re doing our best to change that -- one kid at a time."

Tickets: $10 in advance, or $12 at the door. All events will start at 7:00 pm and will take place at South Church, 292 State Street, Portsmouth. For more info and tickets, contact Karen Wiese, kwiese@tidewaterschool.org or 207-439-7911. In case of inclement weather, please use this phone number to check for possible cancellation of an event.

Tidewater School is a registered non-profit organization under IRC 501.c.3.

Sponsors:
* Irving Oil
* Portsmouth Community Radio