Importance of Outdoor Playtime Emphasized in Unconventional Preschools Around the World

In a society that has an increasing reliance on technology, it seems people need to be reminded how therapeutic -- and perhaps even necessary -- spending time outside in nature can be. Prior generations of kids used to spend hours outdoors, but parents today are lucky if they can coax their children (or themselves) away from the TV or computer screen. After all, 97% of those aged 18 to 24 have cell phones, and the number of kids with access to tablets, smartphones, and laptops continues to grow.

Now, some preschools around the world are finding a unique solution that encourages children to get outside and away from their gadgets.

In Germany, the answer is known as "waldkitas," or "forest kindergartens." The country has upwards of 1,500 of these outdoor preschools which encourage learning through wilderness play. It may sound like new-age hooey to some naysayers, but there's evidence to show that the approach has a positive effect on kids.

The Elephant Who Tried To Tiptoe Book Review

Talk about attention to detail from cover to cover!

Everything in The Elephant Who Tried To Tiptoe is laid out and written with an open heart with the children's best interest in mind.

Love drips off these pages!

A story that teaches inner beauty as well as outer beauty. Confidence in one's self. You are enough!!! Your body is perfect just the way it is. A book full of spiritual values that can last a lifetime. 

This delightful book is one of the books from The Conscious Bedtime Story Club. You need this book along with the whole series ready on your children's bookshelves. They will keep asking for more. A perfect way to spend time with your child before bed building a deeper connection.

Ways for Families to Explore Nature Together through Various Ages/Stages

Guest Article by Jennifer Miller, M.Ed.

“Mom, come quickly!” E says practically jumping up and down. “There’s a blue jay in our yard!” And this scene has played out over and again but with varying creatures - bunnies, beetles, and butterflies - oh my! If you have a patch of grass outside your door, there’s an opportunity for your kids to explore nature. Take them to a park and no screens, toys or equipment are required for discovery. As we head into the summer months, it seems we are all feeling “nature-starved” and ready to get out to experience the beautiful weather.

What's The "Spirit" in Spirit Camp?

Guest Article by Eva Goulette.

One of the major ways Dancing Jaguar's Spirit Camp differs from other camps is its focus. 
This program teaches children to focus inward and to learn how to navigate their inner landscape. When children are at school, they are nurturing their minds; when they play sports they are nurturing their bodies; and when they attend Spirit Camp, they are nurturing their spirit -- that wonderful essence that makes each child a unique, beautiful individual. Human beings are made up of mind, body, and spirit. How can we expect to have fully balanced, whole lives if we neglect and even refuse to acknowledge a third of who we are?

The spirit within each of us contains a small, quiet voice, - our intuition. 

Nosey's Wild Ride on the Belle of Louisville

A silly cat named Nosey takes children on a historic wild adventure during an afternoon chase on the Belle of Louisville.

This book will have your children smiling from cover to cover. 
Adventure, laughter, dancing, friendship, compassion, history and a mischevious cat bring this story to life.

Children's Book Review: White Butterfly and Her Wings Of Many Colors

Take your child on a magical journey with White Butterfly as she learns very important lessons about gratitude, self-love, and appreciation.

She discovers through powerful experiences her friends love her for who she truly is not because of her colors.

White Butterfly and Her Wings of Many Colors is a delightful & colorful read. The illustrations pop from the pages bringing this whimsical story to life.