One of the enduring beliefs about early childhood is that young children are better off outside, free to move about. Many educationalists also argue that children need to be closer to nature because their senses are more alert, and they notice the tiny details of the natural world. By contrast, adults see and hear little.
This belief in nature has been given a new insight in a publication from Children in Scotland, in their 'Building Better Childhoods - International Perspectives' series. The booklet, entitled Adventures in Nature (available from www.childreninscotland.org.uk/publications) recounts attempts by nursery workers and children in the city of Verona, Italy, to explore the natural world. In Verona they are off to a flying start - they have mountains and rivers on their doorstep, and they have the funding for early childhood to engage in such activities. The results are spectacular.
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