Meaningful Outdoor Play Ft. Margie Pines
Meet our guest
Margie Pines
Our time talking with Margie about outdoor play was inspirational and a breath of fresh air. We’ve worked with Margie professionally over the years and it’s always a joy to connect.
Interestingly enough, Margie's career started with a law degree- yet her heart and soul pulled her towards early childhood education. Margie Pines has been working in early childhood for over ten years, and she’s spent the past several years experimenting with new teaching methods which aim to give young children more time in nature. Her innovation in the classroom eventually earned her the 2017 Sue Pinsky Award for Excellence.
In June of 2019, Margie started Ta’am Teva, a non- profit organization that offers outdoor enrichment programs for 3-6-year-olds. The mission of Ta’am Teva is to help children experience nature through a Jewish lens.
If you want more information about our program you can find us at taamteva.com, #ta’amteva, or on FaceBook.
““Nature has a calming influence; it’s like taking a deep breath.””
Teacher Takeaways
Outdoor Play…
Outdoor play is so important for mental health!
Aim for at least 2 hrs/day.
Outdoor play allows for Independence, Risk-taking, freedom, a multi-sensory experience.
For risks: have children talk about them and establish boundaries with you before play.
Ask: “What boundaries are good and important for safety?”
Intentionally plan for what’s happening in nature and outside on your playground
Suggested materials: Binoculars
Magnifying glass
Buckets (YES, for each child!)
Ways to Bring the outdoors inside:
Planting (Teaches empathy)
Microgreens! (Grow fast and kids can cut and eat or explore).
Seasonal items from outdoor. (Leaves, flowers, branches, rocks, bugs!)
Resources
Referenced in the Interview
Margie’s Nature/Outdoor Play Recommendations:
https://www.insideoutside.org/
http://www.greenheartsinc.org/
Books:
Spirit in Nature: Teaching Judaism and Ecology on the Trail by Matt Biers Ariel and Deborah Newbrun
Wild City Book by Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks. Lots of ideas for in the City
Wild Things by Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks
Growing Up Wild: Exploring Nature with Young Children from Project Wild. (This is a workbook with about 30 ideas for lesson plans involving all curriculum areas and lots of great tips/resources)
