Why Is It Important for Children to be in Nature?

Why Is It Important for Children to be in Nature?

1. Nature is important to children’s development in every major way- intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically (Kellert, 2005)

2. Nature supports creativity and problem solving.

3. Nature improves nutrition. Children who grow their own food are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables and show higher levels of knowledge about nutrition (Waliczek, & Zajicek, 2006).

4. Nature can improve eyesight. More time spent outdoors is related to reduced rates of nearsightedness in children (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2011).

5. Nature improves social relations. Children will be smarter, better able to get along with others, healthier and happier when they have regular opportunities for free and unstructured play outside (Burdette and Whitaker, 2005).

6. Nature improves self-discipline. Access to green spaces, and even a view of green settings, enhances peace, self-control and self- discipline (Taylor, Kuo and Sullivan, 2001).

7. Nature reduces stress. Green plants reduce stress among highly stressed children (Wells and Evans, 2003).

8. Nature reduces Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms. Contact with the natural world can significantly reduce symptoms of attention deficit disorder in children as young as five years old (Kuo and Taylor, 2004).

9. Nature increases physical activity. Children who experience outdoor spaces with diverse natural settings are more physically active, more aware of nutrition, and more creative (Bell and Dyment, 2006).

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