Sunday, September 24, 2006

Early Lessons


Growing up to become a brave and skillfull walrus hunter or anything else that gets you out into the natural world these days has gotten to be harder and harder in recent years. There is a massive migration going on from the rural areas into the concrete jungles we call 'cities'. We all know the social and economic reasons behind this migration and we as kayakers also face the difficulties of swimming against that flood of people and the mind-set they have each time we head out for a quiet, soul-enriching paddle on our favourite body of water.
I recently came across this interesting and informative book by Richard Louv and was struck, as a teacher, with the many children I faced each day who seemed so detached and disinterested in the daily academic grind they were presented with. Well, no wonder! Too many decision-makers need to see what they are doing to children and in turn to the future they are gradually creating, a future without people who know, care and cherish the natural world.

1 comment:

clairesgarden said...

I've read good reviews about this book, I am planning to get it for Fiona, even without it I think young Angus will have an ok childhood.
I worry though about nearer children, the ones who do not steal the raspberries from my garden because they don't know what they are, they holiday in resorts in Spain and yet have never walked the hills they can see from the window.