Being in Nature
“Children who play outside are more physically active, more creative in their play, less aggressive and show better concentration.”
(Burdette and Whitaker, 2005; Ginsburg et al., 2007; as cited in National Wildlife Federation, 2013)
(Burdette and Whitaker, 2005; Ginsburg et al., 2007; as cited in National Wildlife Federation, 2013)
Are Your Children Spending Enough Time Outside?
Children are naturally curious about everything in their surroundings, so let’s foster this curiosity! Let’s bring them to nature.
I want to take your children
outside so they can explore and learn from their surroundings. The more time
outside the better! Why? “Childhood has moved indoors during the last two
decades, taking a mental and physical toll on today’s kids” (National Wildlife
Federation, 2013). As technology grows,
children are going outside less and less. Do you remember when you were a child
you would stay out till the street lights came on? Almost every child on the
block was outside. Nowadays, children are staying inside more and more. They are
watching television, on the computer or playing games. Children today do not
know what it is like to play outside. You tell them to play outside, they
respond with ‘what am I going to do outside?’. “Today, kids are aware of the
global threats to the environment—but their physical contact, their intimacy
with nature, is fading. (Louv, 2012a) “The negative impact of decreased time
outdoors includes a doubling of the childhood obesity rate, as well as
declining creativity, concentration and social skills” (National Wildlife
Federation, 2013).
Children today have what Richard Louv coins “Nature-Deficit Disorder”. This is not a medical disorder but a theory Louv has created to bring attention to children spending less time outdoors in nature which can result in behavioural issues. Louv wants parents, educators and the public to become aware that children are not experiencing those precious moments of wonder when exploring outside. The moments when you pick up a rock to see beetles and worms and learn about the world around you. These moments of wonder experienced when outside is the source of all spiritual growth (Louv, 2013b). Children have a sense of wonder and contact with nature is essential to healthy child development (Louv, 2013b). |
“Children are spending half as much time outdoors as they did 20 years ago.”
(Juster et al 2004; Burdette & Whitaker 2005Kuo & Sullivan 2001; as cited in National Wildlife Federation, 2013) “The most direct route to caring for the environment as an adult is participating in “wild nature activities” before the age of 11.”
(Wells and Lekies, 2006; as cited in National Wildlife Federation, 2013) |
Nature and the Classroom: Benefits of Nature
![Picture](/uploads/2/3/5/5/23555350/3295993.jpg?139)
Nature is an outdoor classroom. What I teach inside the classroom, I can teach outside the classroom. Children can experience and learn by touching, smelling, observing and doing. They can learn science, math, language, physical education and more when outside. “Studies show outdoor time helps children grow lean and strong, enhances imaginations and attention spans, decreases aggression, and boosts classroom performance” (National Wildlife Federation, 2013). Opportunities to experience nature can foster children’s own natural curiosity about the world they live in. Children can develop respect for living things. They can learn how to care for and appreciate what nature does for them and they can learn to treat the world they live in with respect.
“Following is a summary of the many benefits that regular play in nature has for children:
- Children with symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are better able to concentrate after contact with nature (Taylor et al. 2001).
- Children with views of, and contact with, nature score higher on tests of concentration and self-discipline. The greener, the better the scores (Wells 2000, Taylor et al. 2002).
- Children who play regularly in natural environments show more advanced motor fitness, including coordination, balance and agility, and they are sick less often (Grahn, et al. 1997, Fjortoft & Sageie 2001).
- When children play in natural environments, their play is more diverse with imaginative and creative play that fosters language and collaborative skills (Moore & Wong 1997, Taylor, et al. 1998, Fjortoft 2000).
- Exposure to natural environments improves children's cognitive development by improving their awareness, reasoning and observational skills (Pyle 2002).
- Nature buffers the impact of life's stresses on children and helps them deal with adversity. The greater the amount of nature exposure, the greater the benefits (Wells & Evans 2003).
- Play in a diverse natural environment reduces or eliminates bullying (Malone & Tranter 2003)
- Early experiences with the natural world have been positively linked with the development of imagination and the sense of wonder (Cobb 1977, Louv 1991). Wonder is an important motivator for life long learning (Wilson 1997).
- Children who play in nature have more positive feelings about each other (Moore 1996).
- Natural environments stimulate social interaction between children (Moore 1986, Bixler et al. 2002).
- Outdoor environments are important to children's development of independence and autonomy (Bartlett 1996).
- Play in outdoor environments stimulates all aspects of children development more readily than indoor environments (Moore & Wong 1997). “ (as cited in White, 2013)
“The research is clear: Getting outside motivates children to learn, keeps them attentive, builds their imaginations and improves classroom behaviour, all of which improve test scores”
Caroline Alphonso – The Globe and Mail
Caroline Alphonso – The Globe and Mail
Interview with Richard Louv about Nature-Deficit Disorder
Outside Television. (2011). Author Richard Louv interview. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFqBl0OuZrk
|
Last Child in the Woods
Daniels, M. (2010). Last child in the woods. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejyMJWh2qFw
|
Some Activities You Can Do Outside With Your Children
![Picture](/uploads/2/3/5/5/23555350/8586926.jpg?179)
Suggestion by Richard Louv
- “Maintain a bird bath or a bird feeder.
- Encourage kids to camp in the backyard.
- Build a backyard weather station.
- Make a “green hour” a new family tradition, giving children time for unstructured play in the natural world.
- Invent a nature game on a hike in the country.
- Build a tree house with your kids.
- Plant a garden
- Raise butterflies”