If you’re an outdoor educator, I’ve got a book for you. Chris Holland’s I love my World features a mixture of bushcraft (wilderness skills), environmental art, nature awareness and story telling to help kids connect with the natural world. There are activities, games and crafts galore – all with clear instructions and a philosophical framework to guide your efforts.
The 200-page book is aimed at anyone with an interest in bushcraft, camping and the great outdoors, be they forest school leaders, outdoor educators or parents. Although some activities are geared to the under 5 crowd, most would be better served with older school-age children.
The majority of the activities included in I love my World are designed to be done with large groups in a wild area. Its emphasis on basic survival skills (like learning to make fire, build shelter, eat wild plants, learn to navigate) may make it challenging for parents to adapt for use in their own neighborhood.
I love my World sells for about $24 on Amazon. You can also buy a signed copy from the author directly if you live oversees.
What’s inside: I love my World is a blend of philosophy and story, information and instruction. Inside I love my World, you’ll find:
- Activities designed to teach basic nature survival skills in a fun & kid-friendly way.
- Activity overviews, including group size, age range & suggested length of time.
- Instructions provided in a “ready, get set, go” format, which offers some background info, the tools you’ll need, and how to lead the activity.
- Tons of black and white photographs.
What you’ll like:
- I love my World is packed with activities designed to connect kids with the natural world.
- The emphasis on the idea that we are all connected to nature. The activities and stories throughout the book highlight and support this notion.
- Activities can be performed in the order presented or picked out according to a group’s specific interests.
What you might wish was different:
- Most activities are designed for large groups and take some time, which is ideal for educators. Not so much for parents.
- No color photos, although there are lots of black and white images included throughout the book. (The ebook version does include color images.)
Note: I received a free copy of I love my World in exchange for providing my honest review with you. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.
