Ep. 9: The Power of Outdoor Play: Letting Children Lead, Learn, and Get Dirty with Nature Educator Emma Markowitz

In this conversation, Jillian Erice speaks with Emma Markowitz, an instructor at Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival and assistant director of Timber Nook Middlesex County. They discuss Emma's journey into nature education, the unique child-led approach of Timber Nook, and the importance of outdoor play for children, especially those who are neurodiverse. Emma emphasizes the need for children to have unstructured playtime in nature, the benefits of trusting children to explore, and the impact of outdoor experiences on behavior and learning. They also touch on the differences between homeschooled and public-schooled children, and how outdoor education can help children with ADHD thrive. In this conversation, Emma and Jillian discuss the benefits and challenges of homeschooling versus public schooling, emphasizing the importance of tailored education and the impact of nutrition and environment on children's learning. They explore the effects of screens on children's attention and the necessity of finding balance in modern parenting. The conversation highlights the significance of community support in raising children, the benefits of outdoor play, and the importance of allowing children to get dirty for their health. They also address the challenges of encouraging outdoor activities during winter. In this conversation, Emma and Jillian discuss the importance of preparing kids for outdoor activities in winter, the transition of teaching skills from children to adults, the empowerment of women in craft and survival skills, and the significance of community gatherings in fostering connections and learning. They emphasize the need for good gear, the value of teaching autonomy to children, and the importance of creating safe spaces for women to learn and grow in traditionally male-dominated fields.

 

Emma’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/spooks.n.spoons

 

Owl Eyes Wilderness: https://www.owleyeswilderness.com/

Owl Eyes Wilderness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owleyeswilderness

 

TimberNook: https://timbernook.com/

 

Moose Ridge Wilderness School: https://www.mooseridgewild.com/

 

Original Being Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/originalbeingpodcast

Watch Full Video Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@OriginalBeing

Intro/Outro Music by Sam V. Perry: http://www.instagram.com/sam_v_perry