Here’s a final extract from the book ‘Noah’s Children’ by Sara Stein. This piece reflects on how as adults we are in danger of losing our ability to play and that this is part of a wider disconnect between humans (especially children) and the natural world about us:
‘One of the nicest things about the human race is our abiding juvenility….We’re fun; we’re funny. There is probably no species, not even chimps or wolves, in which there is as much behavioural congruence between adults and children.
Yet how ‘unfun’ we’ve gotten! Biking has gone pro; it is to be performed seriously (exhaustingly!) and properly attired. Even taking a walk has been transformed into walking – stylishly, with striped sweats and weighted mannerisms, to the purpose of fitness- and without an eye for what might be of interest along the way. In an article I read about dismantling playgrounds and abandoning school recess, a principal was quoted on the subject of improving academic performance. ” You can’t do that”, he said, “by having kids hanging on monkey bars.”…’
Coincidentally I’ve just come an interesting review of a new book about children, learning, play and nature. Here’s a quote from that:
‘Children play, and used to play ‘in nature’, outdoors. To some extent they still do, but probably not nearly enough. We inhibit their explorations, creativity, and self-testing. And the same goes for adults.’
Old School Garden 
So glad to read this post. I have recently had conversations with friends about the lack of unstructured play in the lives of this generation’s children. Those days of exploration outside of your home, roaming with friends, have been so important in building confidence, learning limitations, observing the world without being under the scrutiny of adults. So important for development and critical thinking. And to bring us into adulthood with an everlasting sense of play. So many conversations to be had about this, again, thank you for covering it as a topic. Lot’s of snow here in the North East and more coming today……….we’ll all go sledding!
Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Sledging sounds great! Cold in Norfolk today, so my plans to start preparing the site of a new wildlife pond were scuppered. Still, a very useful couple of hours pruning and tidying borders😊
Hi Nigel,
Two books that may interest you…..The Geography of Childhood by Gary Paul Nabhan and Stephen Trimble, and Teaching About Place , Learning FromThe Land by Laird Christensen and hal Crimmel. I think I will order the book Noah’s Children. Looking forward to hearing about your wildlife pond.
denise
Thanks, I’ll look into those books, Denise. Hope the sledding went well! We’very had a little snow today, but I guess a lot less than you!