Erin Kenny loves kids, and she loves being outdoors. So she combined her two loves into one, unique, school: Cedarsong. Cedarsong is a preschool that’s conducted almost entirely outdoors, on a five-acre forest in a Seattle suburb.

“Kenny… was inspired to start her school after reading Richard Louv’s book ‘Last Child in the Woods.’ In the book, Louv coined the phrase ‘nature-deficit disorder’ to explain a lack of connection between the country’s children and nature. He argues that the decrease in nature dwelling leads to a rise in childhood obesity, attention disorders and depression.”[Source: Statesman Journal (OR)]

Kenny believes that preschool is a time for exploration, not mathematical equations. Kids are naturally curious, and it’s their curiosity that guides each day’s teaching topics. Kenny has found that, by using this unique setting and teaching style, kids actually retain more information that they would if they were sitting behind desks. She believes that, as time goes on, more evidence will emerge that Cedarsong-style classrooms the most effective for young children.

Young children aren't the only ones to benefit from the wonders of the outdoors, of course. For older children with ADHD and other emotional or behavioral challenges, a number of innovative summer programs provide a wide range of enjoyable and productive vacation opportunities.

Posted By: 4ADHD.com