Last Child in the Woods - Review

The Last Child in the Woods
Richard Louv

Part 1: The New Relationship Between Children and Nature

Part 1 touches on some of the benefits that can be gained (for adults and children) through a relationship with nature. It can provide a calm and supportive environment that allows us time to think and recharge. But unfortunately as we are becoming more and more dependent on electronic stimulants we are running the risk of losing our understanding of this relationship.

I liked the point that Louv made about being in nature meant 'doing something, about direct experience - about about not being a spectator.' This inspires me to think about opportunities in the classroom for outdoor experiences to take place, which will truly and fully engage the learners.

I was also attracted to the fact that through a positive relationships with nature, students are catered to in a holistic sense.

Part 2: Why The Young (and the Rest of Us) Need Nature

Louv talked about a correlation between the rise of childhood obesity in America and a rise in organised sports. This draws a conclusion that an increase in sport isn't the solution to childhood obesity but he believes rather that more unstructured outdoor play provides the answer.

This part of the books presents anecdotes of how nature has supported people in their lives and how a higher contact with nature results in lower stress levels. There are also lots of studies which show that more time in green spaces reduces symptoms of ADHD in children.

Direct experiences with nature have been replaced by indirect technological experiences. People are more aware of environmental issues on a global scale rather than a local one.

It was interesting to read about what can be learned through building a tree house. Although building a treehouse may not be a logistical option in most primary schools there are a host of similar activities that could be used, which would provide children with authentic, direct, hands on, outdoor learning experiences.

Part 3: The Best of Intentions: Why Johnnie and Jeannie Don't Play Outside Anymore

This part of the book talked about the barriers to free creative play outdoors. The reasons it focused on were a lack of time - every minute being allocated to an organised activity, safety concerns and a lack of knowledge.

When Louv discussed that difference between free and organised outdoor play I found it interesting that he mentioned that usually people have fond memories of the free play activities but not the organised ones. Children also didn't see the organised activities as a form of playing, rather something they had to do.

Part 4: The Nature-Child Reunion

This part of the book discusses how parents can increase their child(ren)'s experiences with nature. Through viewing it as something that will support their development, modelling outdoor experiences, releasing fears about outside situations and encouraging safe independence.

Whilst this section was interesting, it is less informative for me to use in my practice. It may however, be useful to inform conversations with parents and families of students I teach.

Part 5: The Jungle Blackboard

Richard Louv discusses the fact that concept of environment based education is at least a century old. This is interesting as it shows that it is not a new fad. I have also been told by teachers who have more experience than me, that education cycles around the same approaches which can be seen in the fact that this is an old idea resurfacing in education today.

It talks a lot about place based education, which is a focus in teaching in New Zealand as a way to help students become more connected with their local and area and feel a strong sense of place. Through using this technique in schools in America it has shows to result in better achievement, attendance and behaviour.

Schools in Finland are regularly discussed these days and their educational approach appeared in this section of the book. Finland's techniques appear to be quite at odds with approaches in other countries, such as America, but seems to achieve remarkably high results.

This part of the book also discussed that schools need to provide natural green spaces to play in, not just manicured lawns and playgrounds. Natural and wild spaces provide students an opportunity to be creative in their play and to interact with nature in an organic sense.

Part 6: Wonder Land: Opening the Fourth Frontier

Humans have lost their ability to coexist with wilderness. This is an area that needs to be addressed if nature is to be successfully reintroduced into cities.

This part discusses the future in terms of green architecture and environmentally sensitive housing developments. This is an area of reconnection with nature that far surpasses my focus of this area.

Louv discusses that part of the problem for the disconnect between children and nature is to do with litigation. This is a particular problem in America, and whilst people are trying to come up with solutions to this problem, it restricts people's ability and willingness to be more proactive in providing natural outdoor experiences.

Cities used to be built with planning towards including natural spaces. Now population has grown but natural spaces haven't reflected this and no longer meet the requirements of the population they serve.

Part 7: To Be Amazed

The final part of this book talks about the intrinsic link between spirituality and nature. This connection provides a greater scope for engaging people with nature and becoming proactive about protecting and experiencing it.

Louv also discusses that the pace of progress will be slow but there will be progress and we need to persevere.

Opinions

More practical examples for use in classroom would be useful.

I need to find the balance between technology and nature in the classroom, as I believe both are important for equipping students to be successful in the world.

Good to start to develop my understanding of why outdoor learning is important.

How can outdoor learning be used to develop literacy and maths skills?