Carmen Field, with the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Kids in Nature launched an exciting new initiative for connecting children with nature during the 2010 Iditarod Sled Dog Race. 70 kids (preschoolers and their siblings) from three Homer, Alaska preschools met the challenge of spending at least the same amount of minutes outdoors as the mileage of the Iditarod Great Sled Race (1,150 minutes/miles).
What is IditaNature and how do kids participate?
IditaNature is a fun way to encourage outdoor play while learning about the amazing Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. From March 5th to March 19th, 2011 children are each challenged to play outside for 1,150 minutes, while the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is underway.
As a teacher, you know the benefits for students– when they have opportunities to get outside and stay active they are more engaged in the classroom! Create a program in your school and community to promote healthy living and get your students more active this year! Activities can include anything that gets students out of the building and outside: taking walks or hikes, looking at nature, playing games, stacking wood, looking at the clouds, or anything at all! Get outside!
“No child can truly know or value the outdoors if the natural world remains under glass, seen only through lenses, screens, or computer monitors.” – Richard Louv
