Review of in Defense of Childhood

Those who have read, and taken seriously, Richard Louv\u27s Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder must quickly obtain a copy of Mercogliano\u27 s In Defense of Childhood ... Mercogliano\u27s focus is on modern parenting and public schools asserting that most of them stifle the innate sense of wonder, imagination, and creativity that all healthy children are born with. The main culprit, in his view, is an over-structured lifestyle imposed on children by parents and schools. By attempting to provide risk free situations and to prepare children for success in a consumer oriented society parents micro manage children\u27s lives leaving them little time to explore, make innocent discoveries, experience solitude, play freely, and identify the inner wildness (the sparkling effervescence and originality of children) necessary to help them find a measure of happiness on their earthly journey

Outdoor Learning at Tuckahoe Elementary School

Recognizing that public schools can play an important role in reconnecting children to nature, Taproot sought out an exemplary program to highlight. Some strong recommendations from professional colleagues, a brief personal visit, and review of their web site prompted an interview with leaders at Tuckahoe Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia. School principal, Cynthia Brown and Outdoor Learning Coordinator, Mary McLean discussed how outdoor learning has become an integral part of their curriculum. We trust their experiences may model school-based outdoor education elsewhere

Review of The Elegant Universe

While a theory of everything (TOE) still eludes physicists, Greene shares in understandable, and at times entertaining, terms how superstring theory may bridge the gap between the laws of the large - general relativity - and the laws of the small - quantum mechanics. As they now stand, both cannot be correct. General relativity is very accurate in explaining the behavior of the universe at large and quantum mechanics in describing behavior of subatomic particles. However, they collide horribly when physicists try to explain such things as black holes and the early conditions of the big bang

Joseph Green Cogswell

No history of outdoor education could have a proper beginning without recognition of Joseph Cogswell and his Round Hill School for boys. Cogswell’s reliance on the outdoors as a context for learning is undeniable as was his premise that active indoor and outdoor pursuits are key to physical and mental health. Advocates of today’s “No Child Left Inside” movement would do well to read Cogswell’s complete prescription for raising healthy children

From the Editor

In wildness lies the preservation of the world - profound words of environmentalist and author Henry David Thoreau spoken more than 150 years ago. Concerned about more than biophysical health, Thoreau argued that civilizations breakdown when humans forget their origins and source of spiritual, mental and physical sustenance. He believed wild places were a source of inspiration containing the raw material of life that instilled a sense of wonder, spiritual truths and the basis of sound intellect for those frequenting such haunts. Considering Thoreau\u27s wisdom and present concerns about such things as nature deficit disorder, this issue of Taproot explores where our religious traditions/ religious and spiritual leaders presently stand in helping modern humans reconnect with nature

National Dialogue on Children and Nature

Seldom does one book launch a new movement; however that may be exactly what Richard Louv accomplished in 2005, by writing Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder. Using recent research findings, Louv has moved national leaders to address the link between disturbing increases in childhood maladies (obesity, diabetes and attention deficit disorders) and too much indoor living. Louv\u27s treatise demonstrates that children simply spend too much time indoors playing passive games, eating poorly, and not exercising. For eons, human beings spent most of their formative years in nature, but within the space of a few decades, the way children in many Wes tern countries understand and experience nature has changed radically, with profound implications for mental and physical health, cognitive development, creativity and for the future of nature itself

Review of Merle\u27s Door

If you love dogs, don\u27t miss reading this true story. Be sure to keep a box of tissues nearby. The book will pluck at your heart-strings. And, for your intellectual side, it also has some very pertinent messages related to this Taproot\u27s theme of nature and character development

A Salute to Pete Seeger: Environmental Patriot Extraordinaire

A Salute to Pete Seeger is a tribute to an American folk music legend. Celebrated for his political activism and contributions to revive American folk music, Seeger was also an important environmental patriot. Tirelessly using his guitar and banjo he got a whole generation singing together and actively involved in cleaning up and protecting the natural world. The inscription on Pete’s banjo succinctly illustrates his personal philosophy and how he lived: “This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender.” His principled and modest lifestyle provides a worthy role model for teachers and parents who want their children to become good citizens

From the Editor

There are many who believe Wendell Berry is the best living thinker in America. Author of more than thirty books of poetry, essays and novels, this Kentucky farmer has long advocated slowing down and living close to the land. One of his insights tells us “When going back makes sense, you are going ahead.” Motivated, in part, by Berry’s wisdom we have dedicated this issue of Taproot to the theme of “Getting Back to Basics.” Those familiar with Berry’s work will recognize his influence in our selection of articles. Those new to Berry’s writing may find his advice, Word and Flesh Principles, on page four interesting

Review of The Passionate Fact: Storytelling in Natural History and Cultural Interpretation

The phrase, a must read aptly fits this book if one is going to be an interpreter of natural or cultural history, an environmental educator, outdoor educator, or a teacher of any sort. Storytelling is an art, and Susan Strauss has mastered it to the point that she can explain the intricacies of orchestrating a good story. Recognized as one of the finest storytellers in the country, Strauss shows readers how to make ordinary information and scientific facts come alive. Professional performances, during a twenty year career, at institutions such as the National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian Museum lend much credibility to her writing