Check out this picture. When I look at it, my shoulders instantly relax, my toes uncurl, and my jaw goes slack. That’s what the beach does for me. Multiple studies reveal the benefits of nature on both children and adults, ranging from improvements in academic performance to reducing symptoms of attention deficit disorder to improving eyesight. And then, of course, there’s that stress level thing. So why don’t we spend more time outdoors?
I get that teachers are often limited in the amount of outdoor play they can provide for their students. And once students leave the classroom, there’s not a whole lot educators can do. Though I suppose homework assignments could include elements of nature. Heck, you could even assign outdoor play as a homework assignment! Now there’s an idea your kiddos would embrace.
What ideas do you have to get students (and yourself) back to nature?
Eager to hear,
Diane
PS: Look closely at the picture, and you’ll find my footprints! North Carolina beaches are the best!