WEBVTT 00:00:05.239 --> 00:00:09.000 Hello and welcome to Blooming Curious, the podcast 00:00:09.000 --> 00:00:11.580 that's all about nurturing that natural curiosity 00:00:11.580 --> 00:00:14.880 in our earliest kids and students. I'm Edwina, 00:00:14.980 --> 00:00:17.600 your host from the Ed's Lessons blog, a passionate 00:00:17.600 --> 00:00:20.420 advocate for play and inquiry, and on a mission 00:00:20.420 --> 00:00:24.019 to keep kids curious and asking questions. The 00:00:24.019 --> 00:00:26.980 days of talk talk are over. We're diving into 00:00:26.980 --> 00:00:30.179 a world of integrated inquiry and nature -based 00:00:30.179 --> 00:00:33.000 learning and exploring strategies that create 00:00:33.000 --> 00:00:35.979 lifelong learners. So if you're a classroom or 00:00:35.979 --> 00:00:39.039 homeschool educator, or even a curious parent, 00:00:39.399 --> 00:00:43.899 then this is the place for you. Hello, today 00:00:43.899 --> 00:00:46.399 we will be talking about the benefits of getting 00:00:46.399 --> 00:00:50.960 outside every day these holidays. And to put 00:00:50.960 --> 00:00:54.100 this into context, I'd like to share some recent 00:00:54.100 --> 00:00:58.780 findings about technology use. So you know, most 00:00:58.780 --> 00:01:02.340 adults and many children spend hours in front 00:01:02.340 --> 00:01:05.340 of a screen each and every day. And in fact the 00:01:05.340 --> 00:01:09.780 research from GWI, the link to this article will 00:01:09.780 --> 00:01:13.079 be in the show notes, reveals that the typical 00:01:13.079 --> 00:01:17.239 internet user now spends almost seven hours per 00:01:17.239 --> 00:01:21.480 day using the internet across all devices. It's 00:01:21.480 --> 00:01:25.459 crazy to think that This statistic equates to 00:01:25.459 --> 00:01:28.659 a person spending about 40 % of their waking 00:01:28.659 --> 00:01:32.780 life online. The GWI's broad global survey of 00:01:32.780 --> 00:01:37.480 internet users aged between 16 and 64 also reports 00:01:37.480 --> 00:01:40.799 that we are spending 2 hours and 27 minutes a 00:01:40.799 --> 00:01:44.500 day on social media. Then another alarming finding 00:01:44.500 --> 00:01:46.760 that was reported in the news this past week 00:01:46.760 --> 00:01:50.140 here in Australia is that the recent data conducted 00:01:50.140 --> 00:01:52.640 by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation 00:01:52.640 --> 00:01:56.459 and Development, the OECD, shows that Australian 00:01:56.459 --> 00:02:00.159 students are performing worse in numeracy, literacy 00:02:00.159 --> 00:02:05.150 and science than they did 20 years ago. And unsurprisingly, 00:02:05.409 --> 00:02:08.229 it's the use of social media and gaming that 00:02:08.229 --> 00:02:10.710 is considered to be detrimental to school performance. 00:02:11.469 --> 00:02:13.729 The survey also found that students who game 00:02:13.729 --> 00:02:16.150 for more than three hours a day were behind in 00:02:16.150 --> 00:02:19.270 math than students who didn't, or were more behind, 00:02:19.330 --> 00:02:22.050 rather, in math than students who didn't. Now 00:02:22.050 --> 00:02:26.349 I have not conducted any surveys. And I'm not 00:02:26.349 --> 00:02:29.889 a scientist. But I can only report on what I 00:02:29.889 --> 00:02:32.689 have experienced firsthand in my last decade 00:02:32.689 --> 00:02:35.610 of teaching early childhood. And that is that 00:02:35.610 --> 00:02:38.030 students' oral language, their final gross motor 00:02:38.030 --> 00:02:41.469 skills, their curiosity, their attention spans, 00:02:41.789 --> 00:02:44.669 and their behavior have been declining year after 00:02:44.669 --> 00:02:48.530 year. And I'm no scientist, as I said. but I 00:02:48.530 --> 00:02:51.449 cannot help but notice a relationship between 00:02:51.449 --> 00:02:54.069 this decline in learning and the increase in 00:02:54.069 --> 00:02:57.330 use of technology paired with less time spent 00:02:57.330 --> 00:03:00.289 outdoors. So it's also quite obvious to me that 00:03:00.289 --> 00:03:02.810 the increase in anxiety and mental health problems 00:03:02.810 --> 00:03:05.090 have increased in line with social media use 00:03:05.090 --> 00:03:08.469 and once again to reduce time spent outdoors 00:03:08.469 --> 00:03:11.719 in nature. So with ever increasing data on the 00:03:11.719 --> 00:03:14.539 benefits of being outdoors and in nature it seems 00:03:14.539 --> 00:03:18.379 the obvious antidote to stress and anxiety and 00:03:18.379 --> 00:03:20.719 the negative effects of technology on our lives 00:03:20.719 --> 00:03:25.009 and that of our children is to be outdoors. A 00:03:25.009 --> 00:03:27.689 recent article in the American Psychological 00:03:27.689 --> 00:03:31.650 Association, and again, I'll link to them in 00:03:31.650 --> 00:03:35.710 the show notes, outlines the mounting body of 00:03:35.710 --> 00:03:39.129 research that points to a host of benefits associated 00:03:39.129 --> 00:03:42.150 with spending time outdoors, which include increased 00:03:42.150 --> 00:03:45.189 wellbeing, happiness, and improved cognitive 00:03:45.189 --> 00:03:48.330 function. There's also alarming statistics cited 00:03:48.330 --> 00:03:51.050 in the article of the detrimental effects that 00:03:51.050 --> 00:03:54.490 a lack of green space has on our children in 00:03:54.490 --> 00:03:57.469 later life, especially when it comes to psychiatric 00:03:57.469 --> 00:04:00.000 disorders. So with these alarming statistics 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:03.960 in mind, why not use the holiday season to break 00:04:03.960 --> 00:04:07.900 old habits and acquire some new ones? We adults 00:04:07.900 --> 00:04:10.500 are exhausted from increased workloads and time 00:04:10.500 --> 00:04:13.479 spent in front of computers, too much time scrolling 00:04:13.479 --> 00:04:16.399 through social media and not enough time spent 00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:19.699 on activities that rejuvenate our tired spirits. 00:04:19.759 --> 00:04:22.720 And I know that I am sometimes really guilty 00:04:22.720 --> 00:04:25.990 of this too. Parents are worried that their children 00:04:25.990 --> 00:04:28.250 show little interest in activities other than 00:04:28.250 --> 00:04:32.129 spending time on devices. So let's use this time 00:04:32.129 --> 00:04:35.649 to break the cycle. So I'm going to give you 00:04:35.649 --> 00:04:40.250 10 top tips for device detox and getting outside 00:04:40.250 --> 00:04:45.329 these holidays. Firstly, lock away devices or 00:04:45.329 --> 00:04:48.670 at least put time limits on them. out of sight 00:04:48.670 --> 00:04:51.629 out of mind as the saying goes and I know it's 00:04:51.629 --> 00:04:54.370 easier said than done I've been there and what 00:04:54.370 --> 00:04:57.829 I have found with children is that if you explain 00:04:57.829 --> 00:05:01.170 your reasons for making changes and maybe even 00:05:01.170 --> 00:05:03.910 read them the articles they are more likely to 00:05:03.910 --> 00:05:05.829 cooperate so that they know that you're doing 00:05:05.829 --> 00:05:08.029 this for all of your good and not just because 00:05:08.029 --> 00:05:10.750 you're just trying to be mean And of course, 00:05:11.069 --> 00:05:12.870 this means that you have to serve your device 00:05:12.870 --> 00:05:15.790 too, because we adults remember are also spending 00:05:15.790 --> 00:05:18.110 way too much time on devices instead of doing 00:05:18.110 --> 00:05:21.550 something useful or beneficial. Secondly, create 00:05:21.550 --> 00:05:23.870 a schedule of something to do outdoors every 00:05:23.870 --> 00:05:26.730 day. Aim for at least spending an hour outdoors 00:05:26.730 --> 00:05:29.430 each day. I've created a free printable with 00:05:29.430 --> 00:05:32.410 24 days of activities to do with kids. I link 00:05:32.410 --> 00:05:35.689 it in the show notes below. Do some gardening 00:05:35.689 --> 00:05:38.189 is number three. If you don't have a garden, 00:05:38.490 --> 00:05:41.410 visit your local plant nursery and get some indoor 00:05:41.410 --> 00:05:44.990 plants or even some herbs to pot up on a sunny 00:05:44.990 --> 00:05:47.670 window sill. Number four is visit a farmer's 00:05:47.670 --> 00:05:50.410 market. Browse through all the fresh fruit and 00:05:50.410 --> 00:05:52.970 vegetables and buy some to cook a delicious meal 00:05:52.970 --> 00:05:55.730 from scratch and then invite the family or friends 00:05:55.730 --> 00:05:59.199 over to share. And if you have kids, Get them 00:05:59.199 --> 00:06:01.399 involved in identifying the names of the fruit 00:06:01.399 --> 00:06:04.120 and vegetables at the market and get them involved 00:06:04.120 --> 00:06:07.040 in preparing the meal too. Not only are you spending 00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:09.120 some great family time together but children 00:06:09.120 --> 00:06:12.620 are learning new skills and vocabulary. I actually 00:06:12.620 --> 00:06:15.819 wrote a blog post about the benefits of kids 00:06:15.819 --> 00:06:18.120 helping out in the kitchen and I'll link that 00:06:18.120 --> 00:06:21.339 in the show notes too. Number five is go for 00:06:21.339 --> 00:06:24.240 a long walk. Take your dog, take the kids or 00:06:24.240 --> 00:06:27.439 even a friend or go by yourself. Dress appropriately 00:06:27.439 --> 00:06:30.019 for the weather and enjoy the sights, sounds 00:06:30.019 --> 00:06:32.860 and smells of being outside. And make sure you 00:06:32.860 --> 00:06:36.180 unplug too, no headphones, that way you can be 00:06:36.180 --> 00:06:39.480 in the moment. The Japanese have embraced a form 00:06:39.480 --> 00:06:43.100 of eco -therapy called forest bathing. It began 00:06:43.100 --> 00:06:47.180 in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological 00:06:47.180 --> 00:06:50.220 exercise to provide an antidote to tech burnout 00:06:50.220 --> 00:06:53.759 and inspire people to reconnect with their country's 00:06:53.759 --> 00:06:56.759 forests. Researchers have subsequently discovered 00:06:56.759 --> 00:06:59.740 that the time spent walking in nature is good 00:06:59.740 --> 00:07:03.220 for us. So make a daily walk in nature a habit 00:07:03.220 --> 00:07:06.420 these holidays. It will not only make you calmer, 00:07:06.509 --> 00:07:09.670 happier and fitter, but of course will help you 00:07:09.670 --> 00:07:12.310 develop an appreciation for your natural surroundings 00:07:12.310 --> 00:07:15.230 too. And then depending on where you live, check 00:07:15.230 --> 00:07:17.889 out your local community website for outdoor 00:07:17.889 --> 00:07:20.290 activities that may be happening in your area. 00:07:20.769 --> 00:07:23.529 Things like outdoor movies, outdoor music or 00:07:23.529 --> 00:07:26.110 theater, ice skating if you're in the Northern 00:07:26.110 --> 00:07:29.089 Hemisphere, Christmas markets, whatever takes 00:07:29.089 --> 00:07:31.430 your fancy. Or just go and discover something 00:07:31.430 --> 00:07:34.529 new and different you haven't done before. Number 00:07:34.529 --> 00:07:37.240 seven is have an outdoor picnic. Create some 00:07:37.240 --> 00:07:39.680 fresh picnic food and go to your favorite picnic 00:07:39.680 --> 00:07:43.399 spot or even your backyard. Lay on a rug and 00:07:43.399 --> 00:07:46.939 enjoy watching the clouds float by. Number eight 00:07:46.939 --> 00:07:49.939 is go on a bike ride. If you don't own a bike, 00:07:50.060 --> 00:07:52.639 you can always rent one and have a ride around 00:07:52.639 --> 00:07:55.100 your local area or even go to some local off 00:07:55.100 --> 00:07:58.060 -road trails. They're great for solo riders or 00:07:58.060 --> 00:08:00.379 involve the whole family. Or if it's snowing, 00:08:00.459 --> 00:08:03.040 I guess you'd go to sledding or skiing or just 00:08:03.040 --> 00:08:05.939 build a snowman. Number nine is to create an 00:08:05.939 --> 00:08:09.180 outdoor reading nook. If you're in a cold climate 00:08:09.180 --> 00:08:12.180 and it's snowing outside, create one by the window 00:08:12.180 --> 00:08:14.519 so you can see outside. Or if you're enjoying 00:08:14.519 --> 00:08:17.319 the summer sunshine, put on a hammock or pull 00:08:17.319 --> 00:08:19.519 up a comfy chair under a tree or an umbrella 00:08:19.519 --> 00:08:22.379 and read your favorite book. Bring a basket of 00:08:22.379 --> 00:08:25.240 books outside for the kids too and get them lying 00:08:25.240 --> 00:08:28.579 on a rug and enjoying you in the pursuit of reading. 00:08:29.019 --> 00:08:33.899 And the last tip is start a new hobby. Everyone 00:08:33.899 --> 00:08:35.980 needs something that allows them to be in the 00:08:35.980 --> 00:08:39.519 moment and decompress. What about starting something 00:08:39.519 --> 00:08:42.539 creative? Learn to play a musical instrument 00:08:42.539 --> 00:08:45.460 or get a sketchbook and some pencils and go outside 00:08:45.460 --> 00:08:47.559 and draw something you see, a tree or a flower 00:08:47.559 --> 00:08:50.200 or part of a building. What does it matter? What 00:08:50.200 --> 00:08:52.879 about knitting or sewing or crochet? There's 00:08:52.879 --> 00:08:55.519 a whole new revival in these handicrafts and 00:08:55.519 --> 00:08:58.389 kids love them too. and they not only keep your 00:08:58.389 --> 00:09:02.330 hands busy but your mind sharp too. Find a local 00:09:02.330 --> 00:09:05.370 craft group or lessons in your area or perhaps 00:09:05.370 --> 00:09:08.029 use that allotted time for your technology use 00:09:08.029 --> 00:09:11.590 to learn from YouTube. Make getting outdoors 00:09:11.590 --> 00:09:14.789 a habit these holidays and make it a priority. 00:09:15.710 --> 00:09:18.029 We go on our devices because we think there's 00:09:18.029 --> 00:09:21.379 nothing else to do. But really, there is so much 00:09:21.379 --> 00:09:24.179 we can fill our lives with that is not only more 00:09:24.179 --> 00:09:26.779 meaningful, but has a positive effect on our 00:09:26.779 --> 00:09:29.840 physical and mental well -being, on our relationships 00:09:29.840 --> 00:09:34.700 and even on our creativity. Find also an accountability 00:09:34.700 --> 00:09:37.860 partner or let your family members keep you accountable 00:09:37.860 --> 00:09:40.519 so that you stick to that schedule you created 00:09:40.519 --> 00:09:43.700 in number one. We won't ever be able to get rid 00:09:43.700 --> 00:09:46.700 of technology completely unless we decide to 00:09:46.700 --> 00:09:49.909 live off grid. but we can bring our lives into 00:09:49.909 --> 00:09:53.250 a healthier balance. I'd like to take this opportunity 00:09:53.250 --> 00:09:56.289 to wish you all a very happy and blessed Christmas. 00:09:56.870 --> 00:09:59.830 May these holidays bring you much joy and relaxation. 00:10:00.529 --> 00:10:03.570 I'll be back next Tuesday, which will be Boxing 00:10:03.570 --> 00:10:05.830 Day, so if you are enjoying my content, consider 00:10:05.830 --> 00:10:08.250 subscribing so you'll be notified each time I 00:10:08.250 --> 00:10:11.509 publish an episode. And with that, I'd just like 00:10:11.509 --> 00:10:15.950 to say Happy Holidays and remember to stay Blooming 00:10:15.950 --> 00:10:16.590 Curious.