The Value of Nature

The effects of today's children being disassociated with nature are widely discussed. Author Richard Louv, in an article published in Lifetime Fitness magazine entitled “Insight: Nature-Deficit Disorder,” describes the phenomenon.

The earlier, the better

Very simply, many of today's children are not spending enough time outdoors. Louv's article goes on to report that the researchers at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle determined that each hour of TV watched per day by preschoolers increases by 10 percent the likelihood that they will develop concentration problems and other symptoms of attention-deficit disorders by age 7. So, very simply, connecting children with the wonders of nature is critical at a very early age. Certainly, if we are to make a difference in their lives and help improve their learning abilities, we mustn't wait until they're 7 or 8 years old.

The developmental effectiveness of nature

Since 1998, the Dimensions Educational Research Foundation has been a vanguard of discovering a real solution, substantiating convincing evidence from ongoing research that positive, appropriate experiences with nature bring profound benefits to children. One solution is the comprehensive Nature Explore program, a collaborative project of the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation.

At the core of Nature Explore is field-testing specific outdoor spaces and materials to identify the most effective ways to connect children with nature. Through this research, Dimensions provides a unique value—understanding what is developmentally appropriate for children ages 2 through 8.

The combination of body movement, building, and nature improve visual-spatial skills. The research shows that the right spaces, components, and activities benefit young children both behaviorally and educationally as they connect with nature.

Parents and early childhood educators can teach and give children a sense of wonder at the same time. As you incorporate nature into their learning experiences, you prepare them for successful educational endeavors throughout their lives.