The Best Summer School is Free Play


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"Talk is Cheap": Reflections on North Face founder Doug Tompkins in the Wake of Paris Climate Talks

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"Find your place on the planet. Dig in, and take responsibility from there,"[1]  Gary Snyder Environmental issues, in particular climate change, were splashed over international press during this month's Paris climate talks. This gathering, attended by all major heads of state, is based on the assumption that each country will independently, voluntarily lower their carbon footprint. [2] The problem with the assumptions coming out of Paris is when push comes to shove, will governments receive enough pressure from its citizens to voluntarily lower carbon footprints? Enter Douglas Tompkins, a true Earth Hero, died this month.  Doug walked the talk of a caring steward of the natural world. His priority was ensuring citizens of the planet have a connection to the natural world in order to take care of it and "pay the rent of living on this planet" Best to let him do the talking, videos and quotes are below. Rick Ridgeway wrote eloquently of his passing in...
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In our connected world, what has happened to our connection to the natural world?

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It came out of the blue, one day, a lust for exploring, observing and absorbing nature. The next, the entire family can sit in the same space with a lack of contemplation of the moment, plugged into our hyper-connectivity. I unfortunately plead guilty in this matter as well. Although there is incredible supporting data & well intentioned planning in experiencing rigorous recreation & nature experiences, I currently witness, and personally struggle with: true connections with nature.  The more my students and I become more and more technological enthusiasts it seems, the less we seek and experience pure joy in the outdoors. Our minds and bodies truly need a significant connection to the natural world. Take for example the  'Solitude Spots'  once a week during our science classes. Each student goes off to be alone in the natural world. The idea is that they might see and experience things they have have never seen before thus, providing a r...
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Parenting With Steiner/Waldorf in Mind (and questions to ask).

Like so many new parents, I have found myself researching parenting trends and the science of child-rearing. Why not share? During interviews conducted during my graduate studies with experts on experiential learning there was commonly a referral like: "Well if you look at the utopian experience that Steiner/Waldorf Schools advocates create...". The expert would go on painting a description of a learning style striving to develop a complete human being. Where music, movement and theater, writing, literature and nature are not simply subjects to be read about and tested. They are experienced. The skinny: a Steiner/Waldorf ethos demands questioning of an experience or reaction to a behavior. What could be some nuggets that parents could utilize in home life? This post is just some Q and A's whipped together. Is electronic media as bad as research says it is for children? [1] Yes, Steiner/Waldorf training programs argue. Electronic Media affects child development ...
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