An early learning program helps kids “Get Wild”

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) – The Wyoming Department of Education is starting the “Get Wild” Wyoming initiative so little ones can be kids while getting outdoors and experiencing nature-based education.

“The whole idea behind it is if we don’t want them climbing up the walls when they get home, we’re going to tear down the (classroom) walls during the day,” said Amy Reyes, State Early Learning Specialist- Wyoming Department of Education.

The Get Wild Wyoming early learning program is focused on getting kids away from screens and outdoors.

The CDC recommends children ages 3 to 5 only be on screen devices for 1 to 2 hours a day, but typically that is closer to 6 to 8 hours.

This program looks to reverse that trend and get kids outside learning and playing in nature.

Eight hours a week during their recess time, 14 classrooms at six Pre-K sites in Laramie, Natrona, Sweetwater and more will go to local or state parks and take their class curriculum with them.

This will also help with setting healthy habits around mental health, teaching kids how to take care of themselves from the inside out.

“If you think about mental wellness and the benefits associated with being outside. Such as the lower risk of depression, and psychological stress recovery. There are so many things linked to just being outdoors. It can really help with that mental wellness aspect,” said Reyes.

Officials say this program aims to help kids focus and establish more mental wellness and that getting kids into Wyoming’s great outdoors is a way that the Department of Education is looking to develop healthy habits.

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