The research behind time spent in nature has been increasing rapidly in the last two decades. In 2005 when Richard Louv wrote The Last Child in the Woods, coined the term Nature Deficit Disorder, and shined a light on a dire reality for children (and all humans) spending less and less time outdoors, there were only 60 peer-reviewed studies that focused on the the connection to health and nature. Since 2005, there are now well over 1500 academic and scientific research studies that have illuminated the information that supports more time and a deeper connection with our natural world.
Research shows that the benefits of children, our society, and the human race as a whole strengthening their connection to nature and growing their ecological intelligence is multidimensional - meaning, it involves the dynamic interaction of factors like physical, emotional, and psychosocial development. |
Benefits of more time spent in nature, across all developmental domains
- Reduced nearsightedness - Increased vitamin D levels - Increases activity levels - Decreases obesity rates - Improves relationship skills - Reduces stress, anger, and aggression - Increases physical confidence and ability to assess risks |
Academic benefits of learning in nature:
- Boosts performance in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies - Enhances creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving - Increases focus and attention while decreasing ADHD symptoms - Increased enthusiasm for learning - Greater engagement with learning - More impulse control & Less destructive behavior "If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it." - David Sobel |