Pledge to Spend Some Time Outside

According to the National Wildlife Foundation, “Today’s kids spend only four to seven minutes outside per day. They log more than seven hours [seven hours and 38 minutes to be exact] of electronic media.”  While we want our students and children to learn how to use 21^st Century digital tools, we don’t want them to sit at the computer or with their cell phones or in front of the television for so many hours. To help teachers, parents, and other adults in kids’ lives to encourage children to spend time outdoors “exploring, learning and playing” the Foundation has created a “Be Out There Pledge”. You can share your favorite outdoor memories and photos on the NWF’s Be Out There site, which is designed to help parents raise healthier and happier children who will grow up with a love of nature. Considering the amount of time teachers spend with children, it’s a good idea for teachers to get involved in this effort as well.