Preventing “Nature Deficit Disorder” In Kids

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It’s a common belief that kids today generally don’t spend
as much time roaming and exploring outside as their parents once did. There are
video games and smartphones and the Internet drawing them indoors. And there is
the fear factor too, for many parents: that something bad will happen if their
kids are off on their own outdoors, out of sight. But many educators are saying
that kids are missing out on crucial experiences and benefits that come with
spending time connecting with nature – everything from concrete skills, to
science education, to physical and emotional benefits.

We talk to Matt Kolan, a
field naturalist and lecturer at UVM’s Rubenstein School of Environment and
Natural Resources, and Camilla Rockwell, who recently directed the film "Mother
Nature’s Child" about what journalist Richard Louv dubbed "nature
deficit disorder" in his bestselling book "Last Child In The
Woods."

Also on the program, VPR’s
Nina Keck reports on a unique Vermont-based program that trains volunteers to
bring the mysteries of nature to students in more than 100 public and private
elementary schools.   

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