Mission of KEYS 4 HealthyKids : To reduce childhood obesity

1. Natural Learning Environments and School Gardens Mission of KEYS 4 HealthyKids: To reduce childhood obesity • Increase access to healthy foods • Increase access to physical activity opportunity • Through policy, system or environmental change YMCA Youth Council KEYS Toolkit Photos Courtesy of National Wildlife Federation “Nature Play at Home” http://naturalearning.org/nli-publications Keys4healthykids.com

2. Natural Learning Environments and School Gardens School Gardens • Why would you plant a school garden? • Improves behavior • Improves academic performance • Increases likelihood of eating vegetables • Fosters creativity and problem solving • Improves social relations • Encourages teamwork Charleston Montessori Ruthlawn Elementary Photos Courtesy of National Wildlife Federation “Nature Play at Home” http://naturalearning.org/nli-publications Keys4healthykids.com

3. Natural Learning Environments and School Gardens Where are school gardens? All over the state!!! Project by Chuck Talbot, WVU Extension agent in Putnam County Keys4healthykids.com

4. Natural Learning Environments and School Gardens Using the garden to learn math, science, reading, social studies and more…. Project by Chuck Talbot, WVU Extension agent in Putnam County Keys4healthykids.com

5. Natural Learning Environments and School Gardens Do you want help with starting a school garden and how to use it in lessons? • Go to www.trythiswv.com Search: school garden program • Contact Jessica Pollitt of School and Youth Garden Support Network jessa.pollitt@yahoo.com • Visit http://wvschoolgardens.org/for lesson plans to match grade and subject Keys4healthykids.com

6. Natural Learning Environments and School Gardens Discussion: Questions about barriers? Don’t forget – School and Youth Garden Symposium is September 27, 2014!!! Register by email. Cost is $15 or less. Laura Dice at laura.dice@camc.org or Jessica Pollitt at jessa.pollitt@yahoo.com Keys4healthykids.com

7. Natural Learning Environments Which playground do you prefer? Before After Photos Courtesy of Natural Learning Initiative-College of Design-NC State University- naturallearning.org Keys4healthykids.com

8. Natural Learning Environments What are natural learning environments? They are playgrounds that include natural elements as opposed to only traditional plastic playground structures that we typically see at schools, child care centers, and most community parks. Why add natural elements into an existing playground? Bottom line - Children prefer natural elements to traditional plastic structures, therefore they are more likely to be used. Research has shown it improves the following in children: creativity and problem solving, learning, academic performance, increases physical activity, reduces stress, improves nutrition, improves social relations, improves eyesight and self-discipline. Photos Courtesy of National Wildlife Federation “Nature Play at Home” http://naturalearning.org/nli-publications Keys4healthykids.com

9. Natural Learning Environments • The following slides show pictures taken from these sources- • Found here http://naturalearning.org/nli-infosheets Photo Courtesy of Natural Learning Initiative-College of Design-NC State University- naturallearning.org Keys4healthykids.com

10. Natural Learning Environments • Benefits of a adding Natural Elements to a Playground • Reduction of ADD symptoms • Increases physical activity • Reduces stress • Enhances cognitive abilities • Improves self-discipline • Supports creativity Photo Courtesy of Natural Learning Initiative-College of Design-NC State University- naturallearning.org Keys4healthykids.com

11. KEYS 4 HealthyKids Edible Gardens Photos Courtesy of Natural Learning Initiative-College of Design-NC State University- naturallearning.org Keys4healthykids.com

12. KEYS 4 HealthyKids Structures made of natural materials Courtesy of Natural Learning Initiative naturallearning.org Courtesy of Natural Learning Initiative naturallearning.org Courtesy of Natural Learning Intiative naturallearning.org Courtesy of Natureexplore.org Anniston, AL Courtesy of Natureexplore.org Anniston, AL Keys4healthykids.com

13. KEYS 4 HealthyKids Structures made of natural materials Photos Courtesy of Natural Learning Initiative-College of Design-NC State University- naturallearning.org Keys4healthykids.com

14. KEYS 4 HealthyKids Shading Options Photos Courtesy of Natural Learning Initiative-College of Design-NC State University- naturallearning.org Keys4healthykids.com

15. KEYS 4 HealthyKids Indoor toys taken outside Photo Courtesy of mommymusingsandmayhem.blogspot.com Photo Courtesy of mommymusingsandmayhem.blogspot.com Courtesy of Natureexplore.org Thousand Oaks, CA Keys4healthykids.com

16. KEYS 4 HealthyKids Walkways, pathways, and mazes Photos Courtesy of Natural Learning Initiative-College of Design-NC State University- naturallearning.org Keys4healthykids.com

17. KEYS 4 HealthyKids Walkways, pathways, and mazes Courtesy of Natural Learning Initiative-College of Design-NC State University- naturallearning.org Keys4healthykids.com

18. KEYS 4 HealthyKids Sandboxes Courtesy of London Play- londonplay.org.uk Courtesy of Natural Learning Initiative-College of Design-NC State University naturallearning.org Keys4healthykids.com

19. Natural Learning Environments KEYS 4 HealthyKids and Natural Playgrounds Hire a professional… or do it yourself! Step by Step guides available for: Vine Teepees Log ‘cookies’ Stepping Stones Sunflower House Natural Playhouse Climbing Boulders http://naturalearning.org/nli-infosheets Design for Hamlin Pk-8 by Three Trees Design and Landscaping Inc. Photo Courtesy of Natural Learning Initiative-College of Design-NC State University- naturallearning.org Keys4healthykids.com

20. Natural Learning Environments • Tips for Hiring Professional • Hire someone familiar with natural playgrounds • Be clear with company about what you want • If have limited funds, hire only for design and perhaps site supervision • Tips for “DIY-Do It Yourself” • Add natural elements. Don’t take out existing structures. • Start small. Choose one natural element to add. • Research, research, research – great ideas at naturalearning.org • Ask for help- skilled parent volunteers, etc. • Ask the kids who will play there what they want. Installation of sensory garden Fall 2013 - Hamlin pk-8 Photo Courtesy of KEYS 4 HealthyKids and Black Ribbon Photography Keys4healthykids.com

21. KEYS 4 HealthyKids How to get started on a Natural Playground Select Planning Group - parents, local business, non-profits Design consultation (with professional or as a group) Create concept plan (if hiring professional, will do this. If not, research recommended websites and plan your own.) Review concept plan (agree or make revisions to plan as a group) Create Implementation Plan (decide whom does what and timeline) 6. Build (Plan a work party on weekend. Invite parents, community members, etc.) For more information or list of natural playground designers, contact Laura Dice at laura.dice@camc.org Keys4healthykids.com