Benefits to a nature-immersive education
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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. |
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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 |
Spending time in nature enhances educational outcomes by improving children's academic performance, focus, behavior, and love of learning.
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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 |
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With scientific research illuminating the immeasurable benefits of and showing that nature is fundamental to our overall heath and development, it becomes clear that all humans, but especially children, have a human right to nature. However, this is micro-level thinking. Yes, time spent learning in and developing a deep relationship with nature is invaluable to the individual. What we need to remember, though, is that the benefits are clear on a macro-level as well - expanding to our school community, town/city communities, our ecological community, global community, and our earth as a whole.
We are in a precipice right now. Our world, climate, and ecosystems are not only in desperate need of immediate action, but lasting change depends on our future generation to work in symbiosis with nature to make drastic, meaningful, and lasting differences. If we want to create a better future we need to invest time into our children now - allowing them to form deep and authentic relationships with nature and our world so they care enough and are motivated enough to be the change that's needed.
The research is there and the data is clear. But we need to expand the conversation from what we know nature needs to one of love, relationship, and meaning as well. Our world is depending on it!
We are in a precipice right now. Our world, climate, and ecosystems are not only in desperate need of immediate action, but lasting change depends on our future generation to work in symbiosis with nature to make drastic, meaningful, and lasting differences. If we want to create a better future we need to invest time into our children now - allowing them to form deep and authentic relationships with nature and our world so they care enough and are motivated enough to be the change that's needed.
The research is there and the data is clear. But we need to expand the conversation from what we know nature needs to one of love, relationship, and meaning as well. Our world is depending on it!
Resources:
Books
The Last Child In the Woods – Richard Louv
Balanced and Barefoot – Angela Hanscom
Free to Learn – Peter Gray
The Nature Fix – Florence Williams
Nature Play at Home: Creating Outdoor Spaces That Connect Children with the Natural World - Nancy Striniste
Wild Play - David Sobel
Websites
1,000 Hours Outside – https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/
Richard Louv’s website – http://richardlouv.com/
Inside-Outside – www.insideoutside.org
Let Grow Organization – https://letgrow.org/
Children and Nature, A non-profit started in response to Richard Louv's Book - www.childrenandnature.org
Peter Gray’s blog – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn
David Sobel's Website - https://www.davidsobelauthor.com/
Watch/Listen
Podcast: Nature Revisited - Ep. 57 - An interview with Louv
Peter Gray Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/Bg-GEzM7iTk
Sir Ken Robinson: https://youtu.be/iG9CE55wbtY
Angela Hanscom (Timbernook founder)'s Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_hanscom_the_real_reason_children_fidget_and_what_we_can_do_about_it
Books
The Last Child In the Woods – Richard Louv
Balanced and Barefoot – Angela Hanscom
Free to Learn – Peter Gray
The Nature Fix – Florence Williams
Nature Play at Home: Creating Outdoor Spaces That Connect Children with the Natural World - Nancy Striniste
Wild Play - David Sobel
Websites
1,000 Hours Outside – https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/
Richard Louv’s website – http://richardlouv.com/
Inside-Outside – www.insideoutside.org
Let Grow Organization – https://letgrow.org/
Children and Nature, A non-profit started in response to Richard Louv's Book - www.childrenandnature.org
Peter Gray’s blog – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn
David Sobel's Website - https://www.davidsobelauthor.com/
Watch/Listen
Podcast: Nature Revisited - Ep. 57 - An interview with Louv
Peter Gray Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/Bg-GEzM7iTk
Sir Ken Robinson: https://youtu.be/iG9CE55wbtY
Angela Hanscom (Timbernook founder)'s Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_hanscom_the_real_reason_children_fidget_and_what_we_can_do_about_it
