The Overarching Goal

I agree with author and researcher David Sobel that a child must first love something before they will take care of it. So much of environmental education seeks to horrify children concerning those nasty invading alien species without allowing anyone time to fall in love with what was, and is, here now. I recently commented on Dr. Sobel’s book, “Childhood and Nature: Design Principles for Educators.” Sobel relies upon thirty plus years of research and observation to elucidate eight design principles that the Hershey Children’s Garden incorporates. These principles are important to consider, whether you are designing a garden space or a garden program/activity, whether you are an environmental educator or a parent.

I would like to begin another eight-part series talking about each of the following principles:

• Adventures
• Fantasy and Imagination
• Animal Allies
• Maps and Paths
• Special Places
• Small Worlds
• Hunting and Gathering

Please join me over the next several weeks as I attempt to illustrate the application of these principles here at the Garden as well as what you can do in your own backyard.

Post by Josh Steffen