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Gone Fishin’
Published on 2012-06-01 09:28:16
Practicing what I preach, the Grass Stain Guru is unplugging and heading on vacation. Don't miss the video...
Tackling the Weight of the Nation Through Outdoor Play
Published on 2012-05-23 09:16:04
In the wake of the documentary, Weight of the Nation, parents and educators are scrambling even more to reverse the trend of childhood obesity. Check out an informative and engaging interview about the role of outdoor play in the fight..
Mystery Critter #87
Published on 2012-05-19 06:52:14
It's time to put your wildlife knowledge to the test with the Mystery Critter game!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Published on 2012-05-13 06:19:52
A virtual card from The Grass Stain Guru and her long-time friend, Shel Silverstein.
It’s kind of this simple…
Published on 2012-05-11 08:51:54
Sometimes, life is far more simple than we make it out to be. Simple moments. Simple pleasures...
Nature Play in the Schoolyard
Published on 2012-04-30 08:24:22
Screen time. Standardized tests. After school enrichment programs. There has never been a greater need for nature play in schools. Get inspired -- learn more about what's going on in three schools to help connect children to nature.
5 Fun Things To Do With Kids This Weekend
Published on 2012-04-06 06:52:40
Looking for something fun and active to do with your children this weekend? I've got you covered with these five family-friendly ideas.
“Pinning” Nature
Published on 2012-03-29 08:00:59
Is all this online natural beauty replacing our real world connection to the natural world?
Mystery Critter #86
Published on 2012-03-17 08:25:15
It's that time again -- time to put on your thinking caps and crack the case of the Mystery Critter! Luckily for us, Mother Nature is full of mystery.
Getting Cheeky About Outdoor Play
Published on 2012-03-13 07:10:00
My message for parents, teachers and caregivers is simple: Unplug. Set screen time limits. Get your kids outdoors for unstructured play experiences. Explore your green community spaces. PLEASE.
Mystery Critter #85
Published on 2012-03-10 07:11:48
It's that time again -- time to test your wildlife knowledge! Can you crack the case of Mystery Critter #85?
Eavesdropping on Today’s Childhood
Published on 2012-03-06 06:17:10
At the airport that day I eavesdropped on society, and I didn't like what I heard. At all. What bothered me so much? Read on to find out.
Mystery Critter #84
Published on 2012-03-03 08:50:57
It's that time again -- time to put on your thinking caps and crack the case of the Mystery Critter.
Mystery Critter #83
Published on 2012-02-18 08:55:40
It's that time again -- time to put your wildlife knowledge to the test. Come crack the case of the Mystery Critter!
Happy Valentine’s Day from the Grass Stain Guru
Published on 2012-02-14 06:00:50
Words of wisdom on this day that celebrates love in all its many splendid forms.
How is Your Balance, Joy & Play Meter?
Published on 2012-02-07 06:16:52
We're over a month into the New Year. Let's touch base on the resolution that really matters -- balance, joy and PLAY!
Mystery Critter #82
Published on 2012-02-04 07:52:28
It's that time again -- time to put your wildlife knowledge to the test. Play Mystery Critter, then head outside to explore the wild in your world!
Mystery Critter #81
Published on 2012-01-07 10:22:22
Can you crack the case? Come test your wildlife knowledge with the first Mystery Critter of 2012!
25 Things To Do More Of in 2012
Published on 2012-01-03 09:43:54
Stop focusing on what you shouldn't do (smoke, eat junk food...) and focus on what you should do -- live and laugh. Happy 2012!
Make a Resolution to Go Play!
Published on 2011-12-31 10:40:09
This year, make a resolution that you will want to keep -- GO PLAY! Here are 7 easy ways to incorporate more play into your life.
Merry Christmas From the Grass Stain Guru
Published on 2011-12-25 06:54:52
Warm wishes for a magical Christmas!
Dear Santa: A Letter From The Grass Stain Guru
Published on 2011-12-22 06:15:19
What's on your Christmas list this year? Mine is simple, and I want to share it with you. xo
Win Prizes in The Christmas Box Challenge!
Published on 2011-12-21 07:15:22
After all the presents are opened and you've had time to relax, have some fun with the whole family -- take the Christmas Box Challenge!
12 Days of Christmas: Kicking it Grass Stain Guru Style!
Published on 2011-12-20 07:00:32
Forget the Lords a Leaping, we're kicking it Grass Stain Guru Style! Happy Holidays!
Tinkering Their Way to Creativity & Happiness
Published on 2011-07-05 07:39:42
Bits and pieces. Odds and ends. What happens when we stop supplying kids with instructions and let them tinker? More than you can ever imagine, it turns out.
Let’s Get Dirty — Happy International Mud Day!
Published on 2011-06-29 07:07:21
That's right -- it's International Mud Day. A day to celebrate mud pies, puddle jumping and all the glories of good old mud. So what are you waiting for? Let's play!
Chatting About Nature With Cheecker
Published on 2011-06-28 07:00:04
Cheecker the spokes-squirrel stops by to talk about the importance of nature for kids and muses about his own squirrely childhood.
Why Your Yard Shouldn’t Go Disney
Published on 2011-06-14 07:06:37
The Grass Stain Guru takes on today's commercialized childhood -- and specifically, HGTV's My Yard Goes Disney.
Mystery Critter #70
Published on 2011-06-11 09:25:05
Start this National Get Outdoors Day by cracking the case of the Mystery Critter! Then, head outside and celebrate the wild in your world!
Activitypalooza: Nature & Outdoor Play Ideas
Published on 2011-06-07 06:45:08
What do you get when you put a bunch of educators in a room and talk nature? A year's worth of activities and lesson ideas just waiting to download.
Mystery Critter #69
Published on 2011-06-04 08:58:52
Ready to test your wildlife knowledge?! Put on your thinking caps and take a crack at today's Mystery Critter!
10 Things I Wish for Today’s Kids
Published on 2011-06-01 06:35:30
I'm not OK with today's version of childhood -- and I hope you aren't either. Here are 10 things I wish for today's kids.
12 More Can’t-Miss Childhood Moments
Published on 2011-05-24 06:00:32
Here are 12 more ways to get your kids off the fast track. Slow down and relieve the peace and wonder that play and time outdoors provide.
10 Can’t-Miss Childhood Moments
Published on 2011-05-17 10:08:37
In today's plugged-in, busy world, kids are missing out on a lot. In the land of plenty, simple pleasure have been lost. Let's take them back!
Mystery Critter #67
Published on 2011-05-14 08:36:30
Let's take some time to unplug and go see what wonders Mother Nature has in store. Come crack the case of the Mystery Critter and then head outside to see what you can spot!
Wordless Wednesday: Childhood Magic
Published on 2011-05-11 07:20:48
What should childhood look like? Check out this #WordlessWednesday post -- as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!
Happy Mother’s Day from The Grass Stain Guru!
Published on 2011-05-08 10:06:42
Cheers to all the mothers, grandmothers, and care-takers out there! To all the women who touch our lives across a lifetime… Thank you for every skinned-knee you clean, bad dream you hush away, cookie you bake, and broken heart you soothe. For every
Viva Summer Camp!
Published on 2011-05-06 06:00:49
Do you have fond memories of summer camp? Why not honor those by helping a child go to camp this summer. Read on to learn how.
Nightstand Reading with The Grass Stain Guru
Published on 2011-04-26 06:00:38
What books is The Grass Stain Guru reading right now...and why? Find out!
Take a Walk With the Grass Stain Guru
Published on 2011-04-23 09:58:35
Time in nature and outdoor play are such a big part of my life. Come take a walk with me and find out why.
7 Fun Ideas for Screen-Free Week
Published on 2011-04-19 06:16:21
Are you stumped by how to go Screen Free this week? No worries-- The Guru has you covered.
Mystery Critter #66
Published on 2011-04-16 10:07:04
This National Park Week, add playing Mystery Critter to your family fun! Can you crack this week's case?
5 Signs Your Child Needs to Unplug and Go Play
Published on 2011-04-05 06:00:24
Just say no to screen head. Join the movement to unplug and go play outdoors!
A Serious Little Thing Called Play
Published on 2011-03-24 06:00:40
Over the last 20 years, play has lost serious footing in society. Find out why it's time to get play back on its feet.
Mystery Critter #65
Published on 2011-03-19 07:42:43
Can you crack the case of this Mystery Critter. Put your wildlife knowledge to the test.
Growing Young Minds in the Forest
Published on 2011-03-17 06:00:27
Finally, Forest Preschools are catching on in the United States. Find out more about this powerful education approach for young children.
Spring Awakening…
Published on 2011-03-15 06:00:39
As winter comes to an end, embrace spring inside and out...
Mystery Critter #64
Published on 2011-03-12 09:45:43
Can you crack the case of the Mystery Critter? Take a guess and then head outdoors to see what wildlife you can spot!
Video: The World Needs Play
Published on 2011-03-10 05:00:25
Check out this gorgeous video that reminds us all that each of us -- the world -- needs play!
10 Thoughts on Restoring Childhood
Published on 2011-03-08 05:00:21
Let's get childhood off the fast track and bring it back to its former glory. Here are 10 thoughts on restoring childhood to a play-filled, joyful pace.
Play is NOT a 4 Letter Word
Published on 2011-03-02 04:51:33
Why do we think that being an adult means we can no longer play? Let's get over that right now!
Mystery Critter #63
Published on 2011-02-26 09:44:00
Can you crack the case of this week's Mystery Critter? Make a guess and then go explore the nature near you.
Pass It On
Published on 2011-02-23 06:16:54
Lending your voice to something you believe in is a great gift.
The Complex Issue of Children and Nature
Published on 2011-02-10 05:00:53
Why exactly is connecting children with nature such a complex issue in today's society? Read on to find out...
Mystery Critter #62
Published on 2011-02-05 09:32:47
Can you crack the case of the Mystery Critter? Make a guess, then go see what you can find outdoors!
Universal Principles: Connecting Children With Nature
Published on 2011-02-02 05:15:21
Get inspired to connect children with nature with this video!
Photo Essay: Ode to Snow Play
Published on 2011-01-11 11:57:47
Snowball by Shel Silverstein I made myself a snow ball as perfect as could be. I thought I’d keep it as a pet and let it sleep with me. I made it some pajamas and a pillow for it’s head. Then, last night it ran away. But first — it
Make a Resolution to Go Play!
Published on 2011-01-05 05:12:09
This year, make a resolution that you will want to keep -- GO PLAY! Here are 7 easy ways to incorporate more play into your life. Related posts:Make a Resolution to Go Play! This year, make a resolution that you will want to... Happy New Year! Hap
Happy New Year!
Published on 2011-01-03 06:00:39
Happy New Year! Today's post: 10 Wishes for Today's Kids. Related posts:Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Today's post: 10 Wishes for Today's Kids.... Dear Santa: A Letter From The Grass Stain Guru What's on your Christmas list this year? Mine is sim
Dear Santa: A Letter From The Grass Stain Guru
Published on 2010-12-24 07:42:19
What's on your Christmas list this year? Mine is simple, and I want to share it with you. xo
12 Days of Christmas, Grass Stain Guru Style
Published on 2010-12-20 05:15:32
Forget the Lords a Leaping, we're kicking it Grass Stain Guru Style! Happy Holidays!
Change the First Five Years and You Change Everything
Published on 2010-12-17 05:45:41
Why invest in early childhood education as a country? Good question...Tune in for the answer.
Go Play: Ideas for Winter Fun
Published on 2010-12-15 04:56:42
Need some play ideas to help beat cabin fever? I've got you covered.
Mystery Critter #61
Published on 2010-12-11 11:31:38
Tis the season to go wildlife watching! Come crack the case of Mystery Critter #61
Mystery Critter #60
Published on 2010-12-05 08:16:58
Take a crack at the case of Mystery Critter #60! Then, bundle up and head outside to see what the wildlife is up to in your neck of the woods.