(Blowin’ in the Wind is a regular feature on my blog consisting of an assortment of nature writings – hymns, songs, prayers, Bible readings, poems or other things – pieces I may not have written but that inspire me. I trust they will do the same for you.)
We can transmit a love
for nature to kids simply
by including them in our
outdoor adventures!
Here is what MacMannis
writes in her article about nature’s benefits to children:
1. Kids get along better. Research has found that children who play in
nature have more positive feelings about each other. There is something about
being in a natural environment together that stimulates social interaction.
Another study showed how play in a diverse natural environment can reduce or
eliminate bullying. In several studies, researchers have found that some of the
kids
who benefit most are those with attention and learning challenges.
2. Imaginative processes are enhanced. Early experiences with the natural world has
been positively linked with a sense of wonder. Children are more likely to use
their imaginations outdoors.
3. Cognitive development is improved. Curiosity and wonder are strong motivators that
make children more eager to learn. When children play in natural environments,
their play is more diverse. Creative play, in turn, nurtures language and
collaborative skills. Spending time in natural environments helps improve their
awareness and reasoning proficiencies.
4. Physical health is augmented. Children who play regularly in natural
environments show more advanced motor fitness, including coordination, balance
and agility. They get sick less often. Just getting their hands in the dirt can
bring exposure to good “bugs” that stimulate the immune system.
5. Kids are less stressed out. 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 connection to the
planet.
6. Kids are more psychologically mature. A boost in maturity comes from the increased
independence and autonomy that free play in nature encourages. Children with
more contact with nature score higher on tests of concentration and
self-discipline. The more green, the better the scores. In a study of kids with
ADHD, it was found that those who played in windowless indoor settings had
significantly more severe symptoms then kids who played in grassy outdoor
spaces. School classrooms with outdoor views even help.
So there you have it,
all the more reason to gather up your bambinos and grand-bambinos and “Get
outside, no box required!”
~~RGM, March 28, 2014
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