Hope is often misunderstood. People tend to think that it is simply passive wishful thinking… This is indeed the opposite of real hope, which requires action and engagement.
– Jane Goodall, from The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times.  Celebrating the life of Dr. Jane Goodall, April, 1934 – October, 2025

Elizabeth Richards, in her article, “Turn Children Loose Outside!,” that forms the basis for the Exchange Reflections, “Learning Outdoors With Natural Loose Parts,” makes these observations:

“These days, far too many children do not have the same opportunity to explore and create outdoors. Adults hover nearby, often directing children to stop doing something.”

“Put that stick down.”

“Rocks stay on the ground.”

“That is not what we use that bucket, shovel, stepping stone for…”

“Is it any wonder, then, that I often see children wandering aimlessly, getting into arguments with peers, and looking bored by the options they are offered? Outdoor play is essential to children’s development, and when loose parts are available, young children can have experiences far more like the ones I remember so fondly.”

Richards offers suggestions for how programs can successfully add more opportunities for explorations with loose parts.

Another opportunity for programs of all kinds to deepen their ability to support children’s explorations of the wonders of nature comes through an inspiring workshop on November 3, “Creating Culturally-Centered Nature Programs.”

Join Ashley Brailsford, PhD, live online to create nature-based curriculum and programs that center diverse cultural perspectives. Ashley is an early childhood educator and nature enthusiast who launched Unearthing Joy to guide the development of culturally-centered nature-based programming for families, community leaders and organizations that center the stories and contributions of Indigenous, Black and other people of the global majority.

This session will share practical strategies and examples from programs that center the stories and roles of culturally diverse people. Learn more.