There was a time where humans not only lived closed to nature but it was also normal for all learning to happen through nature. But as society progressed, we slowly started losing our connection with nature. And today, the closest most people get is watching a video on a screen.
And although technology and modern life has its place, it doesn’t need to be at the expense of nature. Nature is a wonderful place to relax, restore and learn. And there are many benefits to natural learning through nature.
Let’s explore 7 of these benefits.
It Inspires Awe and Wonder
You probably have watched nature documentaries with some amazing videos and pictures. But nothing can beat standing in nature and experiencing it first hand. Seeing it, feeling it and smelling it.
Remember how exciting it was as a child to find a differently shaped rock? Or lifting a rock and finding an interesting new spider. Perhaps you heard the sounds of birds you’ve never heard before.
Every time you go into nature, you are almost guaranteed to find something new that inspires awe and wonder. These moments are how children learn and what they remember. Far more than anything they will ever see in a text book or on a computer screen.
Encourages Problem Solving
How much money do you spend on buying educational toys and puzzles hoping your child will learn to solve problems? But forget that something as simple as climbing a tree involves planning and problem solving?
Nature offers plenty of problem solving scenarios. Ask the children to build a bird feeder. But let them search for and use materials from their natural surroundings. The designing and building of the feeder will encourage planning and also allows for problem solving.
If you focus on your child’s natural interests, they will quickly be invested in their surroundings.
Antidote For Too Much Screen Time
Screen time is a battle every parent faces. No matter how much we try to justify it, it is addictive. Even for adults. But as soon as you take it away, everyone is bored. Unless you are in nature.
There is always something to do or learn in nature. And as soon as kids are occupied and get involved in a crafty project, they usually forget about technology. That’s not to say you shouldn’t have a phone ready for a few pictures but for the time being, keep it to pictures only.
There is also the added benefit of being in natural light. This helps to calm the brain and assists with a good night’s sleep. It also helps to undo some of the damage caused by the blue light from devices.
Creates Hands-on Learning Experiences
Children learn best through doing. And there is no place better for doing than in nature. You can mess, you can climb a tree, you can roll down a hill. All of these activities are fun and beneficial for learning.
Being outside allows for exploring a new world while learning about that world. You are far more likely to remember the details about a frog’s habits, if you were allowed to hold one in your hands and then watch it jump across the water.
Learning in such a natural environment is far more enjoyable than sitting in a classroom trying to remember what the frog is supposed to look like.
It Supports Creativity
There is a reason people get their most creative ideas in the shower. It is because your brain then relaxes and allows for creativity to flow. The same as when you are in nature. It is a place where we naturally relax.
Back to the bird feeder. Let the kids get creative with what materials they should use to build the bird feeder. And then a scavenger hunt searching for the material will bring extra excitement and fun.
Or maybe let the kids create their own spooky story following the trail, looking for signs of what may be…
Nature Is a Stress Reliever
Research has shown that 20 minutes in nature can significantly reduce your levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). Today, even children are under enormous amounts of stress and need time to relax.
Every trip to nature does not need to have education in mind. I short walk or a picnic in the park will relax everyone. And it is almost guaranteed that the children (and maybe adults) will learn something too.
When you are in a relaxed state of mind, you are much more receptive of your surroundings. Everyone is learning without even knowing it.
It Teaches Resilience
When you are having fun and doing something you love, it is much easier to finish the project regardless of any obstacles coming your way.
Being outdoors of course brings a few more obstacles. And you need to be prepared for them. Or if you are not prepared for the obstacle, you need to be prepared to find a way to overcome the obstacle.
Resilience is built when you have to search for your own materials, face unpleasant weather or maybe have to improvise when everything you need is not available.
Animalia
At Animalia, we encourage being outdoors as much as possible. Although we are not against technology, we encourage children to rather spend their time exploring outside. This may include fishing in the pool or doing ABC’s with material we find in nature.
Working together the children learn the value of team work while being allowed to add their individual touch to the creations.
Animalia Learning Center 