The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company’s Post

Research suggests that when we take a few moments to focus on the good things in our lives, it can increase our happiness and wellbeing. We discuss gratitude and feeling grateful with primary school pupils in Step 2 of the Hummingbird Project. Below, a pupil at St Gabriel's CE Primary School in Rochdale shares their thoughts. What are you most thankful for? Let us know in the comments. 🙂 #learningwaystofeelhappier #HummingbirdProject #positivepsychology #positiveeducation #childrensmentalhealth

Yesterday I shared a snippet of the hard work my kinders are doing for their animal research project! Well, here's a closer look at just how I introduce this project to my kids! #kindergarten #research #teacherblog https://lnkd.in/gRRhSy2E

A growing body of research reveals that time spent in nature has tangible benefits on mental and physical wellbeing. Bowler et al. (2010) found that spending time in parks or among trees boosted attention span, energy levels, and calmness, resulting in less anxiety, anger or sadness. In 2015, Parks Victoria determined that being out in parks facilitated a better connection with cultural heritage and improved overall health and happiness. And Liddicoat et al. (2018) and Mavoa et al. (2019) found that being exposed to a greater variety of plant and animal life may be linked to better respiratory health and overall well-being. Research into outdoor therapies and their benefits are continuing but showing great promise. That’s why NPAQ is intent on expanding our Kids in Parks program, encouraging more Aussie kids to get out into nature. Not only do kids reap the mental and physical health rewards, they also forge a stronger connections with their environment and get a better understanding of protected areas. Our winter Kids in Parks school holiday program is underway, so don’t forget to book your kids in at https://lnkd.in/gutswQqE Also, watch our short video to see what we hope to achieve when it comes to expanding our Kids in Parks program. https://lnkd.in/gvFX73Av

Why make Camp Cherith a priority this summer? A parent was asked why they send their child to camp each summer and if they were going to be returning this year? Her response was;   "Camp is not an option - it's a priority. There is nothing throughout the year that can offer to our boys what camp does. I have noticed year after year, it is here that they gain more confidence, get to try things they otherwise couldn't, and are meeting great friends. Even more importantly it has been most significant for their spiritual growth."   At Cherith, it is our hope that every child gets a chance to have a Christian camping experience each summer and we want to do whatever possible to make that a reality in 2024.   Sure, some will still say: "camp is just a week away from home or a nice break from the kids for the parents." It is that, but it is so much more!   Recent research and feedback from parents have found that having a Christian camp experience has been recognized to: 1.  improve children's & youth's social skills 2.  see young people be willing to try new things 3.  help make children healthier by getting outdoors 4.  develop leadership skills and healthy independence in young people 5.  lead to greater likelihood of staying connected with their faith 6.  increase confidence and self-esteem 7.  serve as a great place of fun, friends and memories for a lifetime   SO!  If this is what a young person gets from a camp experience, it makes complete sense why it is a priority for a family to ensure their kids get this type of experience each year!  And this is why Cherith has existed for over 70 years - to be an affordable Christian camp in the beautiful Grey Bruce area providing a positive, safe and high quality life-changing experience for the next generation! Check out Camp Cherith at www.campcherith.ca

Starfish mid-semester progress surveys are still open until Wednesday, March 20. ⚠️ During this period, all #PennState instructors and teaching assistants formally listed as instructors of record for full-semester undergraduate courses in LionPATH will receive an email prompt to share information about students’ course progress using to-dos, flags, and kudos. 💬 Academic advisers are encouraged to discuss concerns with students and to close the loop with instructors by letting them know the result of their efforts. 🔗📓 Students should contact their instructors or academic advisers if they receive a flag or to-do and need help in improving their coursework. They can also seek tutoring or use resources and services suggested in progress survey emails such as learning support, disability services, basic needs support, or personal support through University Health Services or Counseling and Psychological Services. Read more on the mid-semester progress survey at https://lnkd.in/e2aT5twB.

A few weeks ago, I shared the post below. Today, I received a response from my Senator with reassurance that she was fighting for this bill which its currently sitting with the US Senate. It reminded me yet again how amazing the REI Cooperative Action Network is in driving meaningful change. In less than 1 min, the form allowed me to submit a response to my local representatives to fight for a bill that I am passionate about-- access to green space at school for children. Her follow up today was reassuring to me that our local reps are paying attention on the other end and that my voice matters. (+ it's true: brands can be a vessel for action!) Original post: For many kids, the nearest outdoor space is at school. Yet, in many cases, there is little to no green space at school, leaving children little to no access to nature. Many schools across the country have become cement playgrounds. The Living School Yards Act, if passed, will provide grants to schools and districts to transform schoolyards into dynamic outdoor learning environments. The benefit for children is profound: 1. Growing healthy foods, trees and plants 2. Conserving water, creating wildlife habitat 3. Providing children with opportunities to observe and immerse in nature  4. Improving mental health with more time outside 5. Improving shade coverage for weather changes 6. Creating safer space to play, create, imagine, be Access to green space is a privilege and it shouldn't be. REI's Cooperative Action Network makes it easy for you to have a voice. It takes 30 seconds to help pass this bill by signing you name. Join me.

Chan Nam College named after my grandfather and grandmother (Chan Nam Cheong, rest his soul) a popular contractor and philanthropist during HK's British rule has a cat shelter named after him this year...... long after his passing! Go Global Empathetic Design! #heartwarming. #designthinking #innovatehealing #compassionworks #studentledprograms. #purposedrivenlearning. #motivation. #kindnessworks. #behaviormod #trainingpets #whyskids #trainingstudents #humanskills #anxietyrelief. #animalshelters.

🚀 Elevating Summer Learning: The Essential Role of Camps 🌞 In today's fast-paced world, the summer 'break' presents both a challenge and an opportunity for our children's education and personal growth. As we reminisce about the simplicity of our own childhood summers, it's crucial to recognize that the landscape of learning and development has evolved. Our latest resource blog dives into the transformative power of summer camps, offering a fresh perspective on combatting summer learning loss. Let's discuss: How do you see the role of summer camps evolving in supporting our children's education and personal growth? Share your thoughts and experiences below. #SummerLearning #EducationalEquity #ChildDevelopment #summercamp #CommunityEngagement https://lnkd.in/eeRHFrEs

This! This important & what my doctoral work is about: equitable access to the outdoors because all kids need it! Please consider filling out the form

"The most successful library services are often those that help the community meet its aspirations while also honoring the unique purpose of the library." In this WebJunction article, Dr. Audrey Barbakoff, EdD, MLIS, CEO of Co/Lab Capacity, shares tips on aligning community goals and the library’s scope. ⤵️ Click below to read more. --- #OCLC #PublicLibrary #PublicLibraries #AcademicLibrary #AcademicLibraries #Library #Libraries #Librarian #Librarians #LibraryLife #LibrarianLife #LibraryLove