Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
Book Review: Have an exit strategy... buy this book and Sharing Nature w/Children at the same time
Summary: 4 Stars
This book and its author are inspiring and its publication has led to a nation-wide positive call to action-- namely the Children in Nature Network. For that, I have given it four stars. The book itself is really nothing new, but what it does do is provide the statistical backing for what you already knew deep down... that the current generation of children has a 'different', perhaps negative or lacking connection with nature than previous generations. I don't mean "nothing new" in a necessarily negative sense--as this book illustrates on a regional (global?) scale what is obviously happening... or, rather, not happening... in our own backyards. Finally, someone has put into written words what people have been talking about for years.
The last few chapters of Louv's book unfortunately meander off onto tangents such as how green roofs save on cooling costs and help reduce global warming. But, the first few chapters are what make this book stand out.
I highly recommend that you buy yourself a copy of Joseph Cornell's 'Sharing Nature with Children' if you are concerned about this issue. While Louv talks about the 'why', Cornell gives us the 'how' to get kids connected, with simple activities to do with children. So, buy both books, so you can move forward with knowledge of what's happening and with new tools for 'getting kids outside'.
Book Review: An Affecting Breath of Fresh Air
Summary: 5 Stars
I was lucky enough to have parents who gave us the oomph outside and didn't expect us back until my mother rang the dinner bell. Richard Louv takes us back to those days and makes a very strong and documented argument that, as a society, we have neglected to continue this healthy habit with the generation of kids today. The thesis that obesity, Attention Deficit Disorder and other maladies in children in the 21st century are due, in part, from our lack to teach the the age old joy of just getting outdoors is not a label nor accusation of this generation, but rather a motion for us all to help this growing generation appreciate the outdoors.
As an alum from the U.S. EPA, and detailed with the Park Service in DC, I would love to place this in the hands of every teacher and parent I could reach. It's a fascinating picture of where we have been, and where we are going. Louv hopes we can change the latter, and makes a strong argument to do so.
If you enjoy the outdoors, this book will solidify the benefits you receive. If you are a parent whose child is spending too many hours in front of the tube, this will provide some help in getting them to enjoy spending time outdoors. As a teacher, it's a living, breathing lesson plan to help your classroom get back into nature and develop more of an appreciation of all it offers.
Enjoy it!!
Book Review: A Must-Read for Anyone Who Cares About Children
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a critical issue and something we may not be thinking about on a regular basis, especially since our own lifestyles, as adults, have effectively eliminated our relationship with nature. We need to keep alive the memories of our childhoods... walking in the open fields,digging in the backyard, collecting bugs, taking hikes, etc... because we may be the last adults to pass them on to the children.Book Review: A Book Everyone Should Read
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a book that delves into the importance of getting kids outside learning about their environment through all types of play. It is not a book that preaches to save everything, but encourages experiencing nature in a way that preserves it. It also sites the usefulness nature has on kids with ADD/ADHD. A surprising read.Book Review: Kids need outdoors
Summary: 5 Stars
It makes you think of all the changes that have taken place, how kids used to walk themselves 6 miles from home and now some parents don't let their kids play in the yard without full supervision.