The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil.~ Rachel Carson

We took another trip to the children's garden today. We needed the fresh air and the distraction from waiting for baby to arrive. I am grateful to have this place nearby. It provides another place for my children to explore safely with plenty of space for creative, imaginative nature play. Nature Studies are a part of our lesson plans at least twice a week if not more. (Not to mention, it's where we spend alot of our free time as well.) Being out in nature has always given me a sense of peace and connection with the universe. I think, for children, it does the same while also fostering imagination, learning about the world hands-on, and instilling the desire to protect our environment and all that is a part of it. It turns out there are other benefits as well. Read on.

Some reasons why nature education is important for children:
Children with views of and contact with nature score higher on tests of concentration and self-discipline. The greener, the better the scores.

Children who play regularly in natural environments show more advanced motor fitness, including coordination, balance and agility, and they are sick less often.


When children play in natural environments, their play is more diverse with imaginative and creative play that fosters language and collaborative skills.





Exposure to natural environments improves children's cognitive development by improving their awareness, reasoning and observational skills.

Nature buffers the impact of life stress on children and helps them deal with adversity. The greater the amount of nature exposure, the greater the benefits.

Nature helps children develop powers of observation and creativity and instills a sense of peace and being at one with the world.

Early experiences with the natural world have been positively linked with the development of imagination and the sense of wonder. Wonder is an important motivator for life long learning.

Children who play in nature have more positive feelings about each other.

Natural environments stimulate social interaction between children.

Outdoor environments are important to children's development of independence and autonomy.