Children, Nature & Community with David Sobel, Antioch University 

“If we want children to flourish”, says educator David Sobel, “we need to give them time to connect with nature and love the Earth before we ask them to save it”.

David Sobel is an education writer who was instrumental in the creation of the place-based education philosophy. He is the author of several well-known books including; Beyond Ecophobia, Place-Based Education, Childhood and Nature, & Children's Special Places. With a focus on developmentally appropriate environmental curriculum, he travels the country spreading his important messages and frequently serves as a consultant to school districts and environmental organizations. His focus on ways that we can connect children to nature right in their own backyards transcends urban, suburban and rural settings and will inspire participants to look at both space and curriculum design in new ways.

 David will lead an inspiring discussion on how we can better integrate natural settings into our playgrounds and educational facilities and how a focus on the environment and special places for children can be a key element in the community development landscape.