Talk on Cultivating Wonder of Nature In Childhood-Dec. 1st

Thacher Montessori School and The Mary M.B. Wakefield Charitable Trust are pleased to host noted author and environmental educator David Sobel at Thacher Montessori School, 1425 Blue Hill Ave. in Milton on Tuesday, December 1 at 6:00 PM. Sobel, who has been called one of the “rock stars and gurus of environmental education,” will present a bit of provocative research, a dash of theory, lots of stories, and a look at how the parent/child/nature relationship changes from early childhood to early adulthood.

William Wordsworth suggested that the natural world is “appareled with celestial light” in childhood, meaning that nature is perceived differently by children than by adults. Similarly, Sobel believes that there is a critical period in middle childhood when children are biologically programmed to bond with the natural world. If this bonding occurs, it sets the individual on a path of environmental values and commitment. Therefore, parents and educators should take advantage of this openness in childhood and provide frequent opportunities for children to adventurously be at one in nature.

David Sobel is a senior faculty member in the Education Department and Director of the Center for Place-Based Education at Antioch University New England. His exploration and documentation of the natural interests of children are the foundation for much of his work. He has served as a consultant with school districts, foundations, environmental organizations and the National Park Service to assist educators with curriculum development, program planning and evaluation from a learner-centered perspective. His books include Children’s Special Places, Mapmaking with Children, Beyond Ecophobia, and Childhood and Nature: Design Principles for Educators. In 2007, he was identified as one of the Daring Dozen educators in the United States by Edutopia magazine, and Teacher magazine has dubbed him one of the “rock stars and gurus of environmental education.”

Sobel’s latest book, Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens will be published on December 1, 2015. A selection of his books will be available for purchase at the event, and a book signing will be held immediately following the presentation.

Admission to the event is $10 at the door. Reservations are required. RSVP to shakira@thacherschool.org.

For more information, please visit www.thacherschool.org.