STAR in Action: Playing and Learning in Natural Settings

• Stimulates all aspects and stages of child development.
• Offer multi-sensory experiences.
• Stimulates informal play experiential learning, and natural learning cycles.
• Stimulates imagination and creativity in a special, boundless way.
• Integrate children by age, ability, ethnic background.
• Help children feel good about themselves. Enhanced self-esteem.
• Offer children a feeling of "intense peace."
• Teach that nature is regenerative.
• Help children understand realities of natural systems.
• Center children in the environment where they live.
• Demonstrate the principle of cycles and processes.
• Support interdisciplinary, environmental education curricula.
• Provide flexible and forgiving settings.
• Aesthetically appealing to all people.

Reference: http://www.naturalearning.org/effectofplay.html

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