Artifact: Dear Ingrid Grubb (Principle Storer Elementary), I am connecting with you to promote outdoor exploration in an effort to provide

all children with the opportunity to grow learn and discover with the best opportunity for proper development. I encourage you to get your children moving and participating in activities outdoors to enhance overall grow and development. In school systems today outside exploration and recess times are dwindling. It is imperative to a childs development to explore their environment with hands on activities and get at least one hour a day of physical activity. With childhood obesity, Diabetes, and the diagnosis of ADHD on the rise the easiest solution is to get the children outside to explore and move. The average American boy or girl spends just four to six minutes in unconstructed outdoor play each day, and more than seven hours in front of an electronic screen (NWF.org). This change severely affects the wellness of children. Children today are out of shape, tuned out and stressed. This is because they are missing essential outdoor play. This missing element affects a childs body, mind and spirit in several ways; Outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds active, healthy bodies, an important strategy in helping the one in three American kids who are obese get fit. Spending time outside raises levels of Vitamin D, helping protect children from future bone problems, heart disease, diabetes and other health issues. Being out there improves distance vision and lowers the chance of nearsightedness. Exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. Schools with environmental education programs score higher on standardized tests in math, reading, writing and listening. Exposure to environment-based education significantly increases student performance on tests of their critical thinking skills. Childrens stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces. Play protects childrens emotional development whereas loss of free time and a hurried lifestyle can contribute to anxiety and depression. Nature makes you nicer, enhancing social interactions, value for community and close relationships. (NWF.org). As teachers and professionals we need to advocate for all children by promoting and providing enriched outdoor play in order to promote optimal overall development. There are multiple activities that children can do outdoors too promote these developments. Indiana provides the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This website promotes outdoor play through ideas, resources and more. According to DNR numerous studies have shown that children who participate in outdoor activities are healthier, do better in school, have better social skills, a stronger self image and lead more fulfilled lives. Thank You Amber Peterson

East Central Chapter of Indiana AEYC --- Spring 2013 Conference

Session 4: 2:30-3:30 Workshop Title
Infant/Toddler Outdoor Learning Cognitive Milestones: Can we teach them?

Summary
Experience hands on strategies for involving your children in outdoor learning experiences. Specific cognitive milestones from birth through three will be discussed with implications for interventions.

Presenter
Meg Alexander, Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher-Apple Tree YMCA Dr. Azar Hadadian, Professor and Dr. Kourtland Koch, Associate Professor-Department of Special Education, Ball State University Liz Strong, DirectorWestminster Preschool & Infant/Toddler Program Amanda Boozier, Preschool Lead Teacher-Apple Tree YMCA

Room Number
164 131

Infant/Toddler Gross Motor Activities Pinterest for Beginners

Gain practical ideas for engaging your little ones in gross motor play. Learn about the hot new teaching tool that will save you hours of hunting for the perfect activity ideas for your classroom. Presenters will discuss the effects of lack of quality outdoor time for children and offer ideas and suggestions to get children outside and active all year long. Designed especially for administrators, learn practical ways to make your existing program even better! Getting ready to read begins at birth. Parents and caregivers will learn techniques, activities, and the current research in developing "successful" readers. This workshop focuses on: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Presentation focuses on ways to guide children from one activity to another, to encourage smooth transitions, and foster appropriate behaviors in the early childhood classroom.

172 Computer Room 208 (upstairs) 169

Activities to Get Your Kids Moving Outdoors Through the Seasons Taking Your Program From Good to Great Literacy Through the Years

Lisa Little, Mecca Andrews-Hill, Amber Peterson, Farah KingEarly Childhood Education Students- School of Education, Ivy Tech Community College Carrie Bale, Executive DirectorHuffer Memorial Childrens Center Sharon Post, Adjunct InstructorIvy Tech Community College

178 116

Using Your Words to Guide Preschoolers Throughout the Day

Robin Box, Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Ball State University, East Central Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children (IAEYC) President

129