On October 21, more than 700 early childhood educators attended the Partnership's Early Childhood Jewish Education Conference. The theme from this year's conference, Tov BaTeva - Discovering the Good in Nature - encouraged increased interaction with our natural world with the goal of helping children to explore, examine and enjoy the environment and move them toward meaningful stewardship of our earth. The conference emphasized various aspects of nature education for young children including recycling, GREEN activities, gardening and the use of natural materials for crafts. In addition, educators addressed fears and anxieties that some parents, teachers and children express about the risks of being in nature. All of this was presented to our early childhood educators in the context of the wisdom inherent in Judaism and our Jewish connections to the natural world.
To view conference photos, check out our gallery on Facebook.
Resources:
Read More About Discovering The Good In Nature
On Common Ground: A Multi-Faith Panel
Explore, Enjoy, Protect - Basic Eco Texts and Actions:
Handout One
Handout Two
Handout Three
Little Children, Big Interest in Nature:
Recommended Reading
Twenty-five Ways to Improve Your Outdoor Space
Is Your Outdoor Learning a Great Place
to be an Infant or Toddler?
"Nature Connecting (NC) Framework”
Mitzvah Matters: Why Judaism Adds Value to Environmentalism
Relating to Nature and Environment
Olives and Pomegrantes:
Questions to Think About When Choosing a Book
Olives and Pomegranates: Selected Nature Books
Rainbarell Outreach
Rainbarrell Vendors
Websites on Nature and Nature Books for Early Childhood
Meredith Salamon, teacher at
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