What is Nature-Based Education?
According to North American Association for Environmental Education, nature-based early education programs can be simply described as:
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A significant portion - or ALL - of the instructional time is spent outdoors.
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Nature is the central organizing theme of the program.
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Has the dual goals of promoting child development and developing children’s environmental literacy.
Why Nature-Based Education?
According to the Children & Nature Network, an organization co-founded by Richard Louv (who wrote the groundbreaking book Last Child in the Woods):
Kids need to be outside.
The abundant and significant benefits of nature on children are clear and backed by scientific research.
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Children are healthier when they live, learn and play in and around nature.
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Living in greener environments and engaging with nature and companion animals can enhance children’s mental health and emotional well-being.
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Nature improves academic performance. Just being in and around nature enhances attention and self-regulation in children, and decreases stress. These factors help kids learn and retain information.
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Spending time in nature creates “nature champions.” Time spent in nature as a child, particularly in activities or places that evoke an emotional connection, can foster care and concern for the natural world.
