PNC Nancy Dworkin Born Learning Trail

The Purdue University North Central Nancy Dworkin Born Learning Trail is open to the public and parents, teachers, grandparents and caregivers are invited to bring children out to enjoy the trail.

The Born Learning Trail, located on the southeast side of the PNC Library-Student-Faculty Building, bears the name of the First Lady of Purdue North Central, who suggested having a Born Learning Trail at PNC and played an instrumental role in its creation. This is the first Born Learning Trail on a university campus in Indiana.

The Born Learning Trail features 10 interactive, playful outdoor games that will help adults create learning opportunities for a young child. As adults walk through the trail with a youngster, they will encounter various signs that will ask questions, suggest activities and encourage interaction between the adult, the child and their natural surroundings. It will also give adults tips and ideas for follow-up learning to take place at home or school.

PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin and Nancy Dworkin are parents of two adult children and grandparents of three. They share a strong commitment to early childhood education.

"I am thrilled that we have the opportunity to offer a Born Learning Trail at Purdue North Central. This is a tremendous asset to our community," said Nancy Dworkin. "I invite all parents, grandparents, teachers and friends to bring youngsters out to enjoy the trail. It presents a fun, casual way to engage children in learning."

The Nancy Dworkin Born Learning Trail is part of the Northwest Indiana United Way Success By 6 initiative, which is intended to help parents, caregivers and communities support early learning. The trail was supported by a donation by the Purdue North Central Women's Association, Success By 6 and the PNC student organization Purdue Learning About Young Children in Education (PLAYCE).

PNC Early Childhood Education students will utilize the trail in their own learning activities, said Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer, PNC assistant professor of Early Childhood Education. These students undertake a range of projects with area schools, creating learning activities for students, parents and teachers. The trail presents countless opportunities for activities and lessons.

"PNC presents an inviting atmosphere for children and adults to enjoy," said Nancy Dworkin. "Our campus is open for visitors."

In addition to the Born Learning Trail, the campus has a variety of walking trails, with picnic tables located in the "quad" area between the campus buildings and a picnic shelter near Bards' Pond. Shakespeare's Garden is adjacent to Bards' Pond. Large-scale sculptures are located throughout campus and guests may take self-guided walking tours. The entire campus is WI-FI enabled.

A map of the campus is available at http://www.pnc.edu/cd/campsmap.html