Book Review: “Play Wild: Nature Craft Projects for Tamariki” by Rachel Clare. Published by Bateman Books. Price $29.99. Reviewed by Tony Orman.
Author Rachel Clare says that she wrote “Play Wild” in the belief that the benefits of connecting with Nature are immense and nurtures a desire to protect it..
Full marks on that one.
She goes on to say “As a parent, I’m fully aware of the constant battle to get kids off devices and outside. Even just short bursts are beneficial to our well-being. If we develop this habit when we are young, it will set us up in good stead for when we grow up.”
Full marks on that one too.
The author and her partner who took most of the excellent photos in “Play Wild”, beautiful illustrations by Vasanti Unka and very importantly not forgetting publishers Bateman Books, deserve plaudits for producing such a positive book.
In “Play Wild” there’s a range of projects for a range of ages of youngsters. With parent’s help, five year olds can tackle tasks but in ages above, depending on ability, kids can do so independently. But then if parents are involved, it can only be stimulating to adults too!
Some projects are for girls, other unisex while others will appeal to boys.
Among the universal ones are growing kowhia trees from seed, growing succulents in pumice pots, building a pollinator pond for bees to drink from, making decorative moreporks (ruru) from pine cones, making “Christmas Critters” from scallop shells, pine cones, gum nuts, acorns and such.
It’s a book designed to nurture youngsters curiosity and interest in Nature and to stimulate their imagination in the good values that come from the natural world.
In its intent, it deserves to succeed admirably in getting young children outside.
Get a copy for your young children or grandchildren. Highly recommended.
The best classroom for today’s kids is the outdoors.
Outdoor play and nature-based learning provide numerous benefits for children’s overall development, including physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth. Research has shown that exposure to nature and time spent playing outside can positively impact a child’s health, well-being, and overall development.
I agree with the previous comment. Recent international surveys show that fewer children are experiencing nature directly, with the majority of children playing indoors more often than outside. Many youngsters are ‘hooked’ to screens on tv, internet, phones and do not relate to nature. More effort is needed to bring children into nature and outdoors which will make them environmentally aware.