Mental Health:
As the nature deficit grows, new studies demonstrate just how important direct contact with the outdoors is to healthy human development.
- Environmental psychologists reported in 2003 that nature in or around the home, or simply a room with a view of a natural landscape, helped protect the psychological well-being of the children living there.
- Researchers have found that children with disabilities gain enhanced body image and positive behavior changes through direct interaction with nature children as young as five showed a significant reduction in the symptoms of ADD
Academic Performance
Schools that use outdoor classrooms, among other techniques, produce student gains in social studies, science, language arts and math; improved standardized test scores and grade-point averages; and enhanced skills in problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making. In addition, evidence suggests that time in natural surroundings stimulates children’s creativity.
Environmental Stewardship
If the disconnection between children and nature continues, who will become the future stewards of the earth – and who will swing on birches?
