Today's Librarian, July 1999
. . . deserves wider attention than it has yet received. . . an effective tool for creating a greater awareness and enthusiasm for the beauty of nature.
Sharing Nature with Children FROM THE PUBLISHER
Kas Joseph Cornell's classic book reached its 20th anniversary, Cornell drew upon a wealth of experience in nature education to significantly revise and expand his book. New nature games - favorites from the field - and Cornell's typically insightful commentary makes the second edition of this special classic even more valuable to nature lovers world-wide. The Sharing Nature movement that Cornell pioneered has now expanded to countries all over the globe. Recommended by Boy Scouts of America, American Camping Association, National Audubon Society and many others.
Author Biography: Cornell is one of the most highly regarded nature educators in the world today. Being with him in nature is a memorable event because of his obvious joy being in nature and his love for the Earth. In the late 1970s, Cornell's book introduced ``nature games" in which nature is the teacher games that inform, inspire, and are just plain fun. Almost two decades later, with about 500,000 copies of Sharing Nature with Children sold in 15 languages, and many thousands of his other books, ``Sharing Nature" has become not just a book, but a worldwide approach to nature education. Cornell says, ``I wrote my first book, Sharing Nature with Children because I passionately wanted others to know about these wonderful games, and this exciting way of teaching. Since the book's publication, it's been a joy to see thousands of people embrace its activities and philosophy with enthusiasm equal to mine." Why such universal appeal? ``I believe it's because in addition to teaching ecology creatively," Cornell says, ``these games help people experience a profound sense of joy, serenity, and belonging to the natural world. Nature activities help people to tune into something very deep inside themselves. The games provide a wonderful glimpse into another way of being."
FROM THE CRITICS
Today’s Librarian
Imagine a book full of activities where kids can have fun and learn about nature at the same time. A classic when it was released 20 years ago, the book returns in a newly revised edition, courtesy of renowned naturalist Joseph Cornell. The book lists a collection of games (including eight not found in the original edition, that involve an interaction between children and the natural environment surrounding them. For example, the game "Find Your Age" challenges children to investigate different trees in a forest until they have located one that is their age. The games in the book involve groups of children, require few props and are an effective tool for creating a greater awareness and enthusiasm for the beauty of nature.
Children's Literature - Joyce Rice
Camp leaders and parents begin thinking about ways to entertain children as summer months approach. Activities that can be fun and educational are high on anyone's list. Activities that involve the outdoors are always popular with children. Several activities listed in this book of outdoor learning experiences will be well received, and can be done with small groups of children with very little planning. One activity is animal clue, where children test their memory skills. However, several activities listed in the book seem questionable for the ages recommended. The very first activity in the book is called earth windows. It is recommended for seven-year-olds and involves lying down on the ground and being covered completely with leaves and twigs. The suggestion is made that children should be told about the insects that will likely crawl over them, so that they will not be frightened. Parents and camp counselors will have to be very selective in the activities they use and the ages of the children.
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