The Book of Nature Connection: 70 Sensory Activities for All Ages

Description

Unplug from technology and "plug in" to nature through the wonder of your senses. The Book of Nature Connection is packed with fun activities for using all our senses to engage with nature in a deep and nourishing way. From "extenda-ears" and acorn whistles to bird calls, camouflage games, and scent scavenger hunts, enjoy over 70 diverse, engaging, sensory activities for all ages that promote mindfulness and nature connection. With activities grouped by the main senses - hearing, sight, smell, touch, and taste - plus sensory walks and group games, The Book of Nature Connection is both a powerful learning tool kit and the cure for sensory anesthesia brought on by screen time and lives lived indoors. Whisper in birds, be dazzled by nature's kaleidoscope of colors, taste the freshness of each season, learn to savor the scented world of evergreens, hug a tree and feel the bark against your cheek. Spending time in nature with all senses tuned and primed helps us feel like we belong to the natural world - and in belonging, we come to feel more connected, nourished, and alive. Ideal for educators, camp and youth leaders, caregivers and parents, and anyone looking to reconnect and become a nature sommelier!

Jacob Rodenburg, nature sommelier, is an award-winning educator who believes in the importance of connecting children to nature. He is the executive director of Camp Kawartha, a summer camp and outdoor education center, and an instructor in environmental education at Trent University. An educator of three decades, Jacob has published articles on children, nature, and the environment; has taught more than 100,000 students; and is co-author of The Big Book of Nature Activities. He lives in Peterborough, Ontario.

"Jacob Rodenburg's wealth of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for nature make this a great resource for anyone wishing to stimulate children's connections with the natural world. The activities and games in the book are easy to replicate and it will be a boon to educators." - Paul Elliott, professor, Trent School of Education, co-chair, Environmental and Sustainability Education in Teacher Education "What an incredibly handy and useful book! " - David Sobel, environmental education leader, author, Beyond Ecophobia: Reclaiming the Heart in Nature Education "This is a wonderful resource for those who love to wander and learn from nature and for those who are novices at exploring the natural world! Jacob has revisioned some tried and true immersion experiences with a new twist. Flip to any page, read, and go outside for a new and refreshing way to experience wonder." - Jennifer Seydel, executive director, Green Schools National Network "Jacob Rodenburg has crafted a must-read guide full of important information on how to reconnect with nature through practicing mindfulness and sensory activities. This is a great choice for anyone looking to unplug from our hectic, technology-dominated lives and be immersed in nature to reap the benefits!" - Aly Hyder Ali, urban nature organizer, Nature Canada "This beautiful compendium of nature activities is an essential bedside and backpack read for all educators-not just us nature nuts. Whether seeking future inspiration, or something to engage the group arriving in 15 minutes(!), this book provides an opportunity to grab and go or a deep dive. The best antidote to sensory anesthesia is to spend a day exploring your "neighbourwood" with Jacob. The second best is to explore his low-prop, high-impact activities, well-bundled to engage all the senses, including your sense of wonder!" - Karen O'Krafka, president, Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario