The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) is launching the Get Wild, Wyoming initiative in partnership with Wyoming State Parks, Wyoming Game and Fish, and the Wyoming Department of Health. It focuses on supporting the overall mental and physical wellness of a child through nature-based education.
From improving mood to increasing activity levels, nature can nurture us! Research shows that there are many benefits for children who spend time outside. Nature-based education can increase prosocial development, physical activity, and language development in addition to increasing a child’s connection to and respect for nature.
A total of 14 classrooms at six Pre-K sites, including Basic Beginnings in Laramie, Natrona County Child Development Center in Casper, Sweetwater County Child Development Center in Green River, Teton Literacy Center in Jackson, and Evanston Child Development Center in Evanston, have joined the WDE to receive packages with goodies from our statewide partners that encourage healthy learning and exploring outdoors.
The WDE is giving participating pre-K sites wagons filled with water bottles, sunglasses, sun shades, bug spray, and first aid kits to ensure their students can enjoy time outside safely. Wyoming State Parks will provide students with Junior Ranger passports, events focused on children and families, and special tours that families can request; Wyoming Game and Fish is sharing scratch and find scavenger hunt booklets and prizes for those who complete the activity; and the Wyoming Department of Health is providing sunscreen.
Take a look at the Get Wild, Wyoming webpage to learn more about the positive effects of spending time outdoors. You can also find ideas for outdoor learning activities and tips to enhance mental and physical wellness while spending time outside. Follow along on Facebook,Instagram, and Twitter to receive regular updates through those channels.
For more information contact Amy Reyes, Early Learning Specialist at 307-777-7708 or amy.reyes@wyo.gov.