Children and Nature: CFD 596, San Diego State University

SDSU CFD 596 children & Nature: This course explores the positive impact of exposure to nature in children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. The potential negative consequences of lack of contact with nature will also be explored in depth. Practical approaches for bringing increased contact with nature into the lives of children and into their early childhood educational experience will be emphasized, as will nature-based therapeutic approaches. Topics include: The importance of children developing an emotional connection with nature; the impact of exposure to nature on self-regulation, social development, and attentional development; teaching methods and strategies for integrating increased contact with nature into the child care setting; and nature-based therapeutic approaches. Each Tuesday, students will have the opportunity to explore and analyze a variety of natural settings and engage in a variety of hands on activities.