Today’s kids need more “doing”, less “watching”.
According to researchers and educators, nature experiences can provide lasting benefits to children. In fact, researchers say connecting kids with nature is essential to their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. In addition, research has shown that arts education provides children with mental stimulation and life lessons that help them succeed in school and beyond.
Children learn by hands-on experiences.
Since nature provides a challenge to all of our senses and art offers the perfect creative outlet, why not combine them?
Bruce McGranahan of Rust Nature Sanctuary and Wendy Green of KidzArt decided to do just that with a partnership between Audubon Naturalist Society and KidzArt. “Art in Nature” will debut this September 16th at Rust Nature Sanctuary in Leesburg. The program, designed for elementary school children, will combine an interactive nature lesson led by a staff naturalist with an art lesson led by a certified KidzArt instructor. Topics will include: trees and plants, bugs, sea creatures, birds, amphibians and animals. Each session will begin with a nature presentation by a naturalist followed by art instruction and hands-on drawing.
“Nature is directly connected to our health,” says Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder . “It helps us feel better physically and psychologically. It helps us pay attention.”
Research shows that getting kids out in nature increases their physical activity, reduces loneliness, depression and attention problems. KidzArt stresses problem-solving skills and children show increased self-confidence when they study art. The “Art in Nature” program will encourage the young naturalist/artist to explore the details and intricacies in nature whether it is the subtlety of plants or the vibrant colors of birds and bugs.
WHEN: Wednesdays from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm beginning September 16 and ending October 21.
WHERE: Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 Childrens Center Road, Leesburg, VA. [MAP]
FEE: The registration fee for six lessons is $126.
This class is designed for 1st through 5th graders. To register for this program go to www.kidzartva.com. For more information contact Wendy Green at 703-669-3772 or Bruce McGranahan at 703-669-2561.
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