5 Ways Nature Promotes Learning

May 20, 2021 • Summer

Did you know that nature promotes learning both directly and indirectly?

In between stay-at-home orders and freezing temperatures, kids haven’t had as much outside time as they should this year. That is why students need nature this summer more than ever before. Whether in the backyard or park, learning outside will help protect them against summer learning loss. Learning outside keeps brains active!

5 Ways Nature Promotes Learning:

1. Learning Outside Helps Keep Kids’ Brains Active. The Children and Nature Network found that with daily exposure to the outdoors, children’s cognitive abilities were enhanced. Contact with nature and play in natural settings creates nature-smart kids. Children should be getting at least 60 minutes outside a day to maintain their mental and physical health.
2. Nature Promotes Creativity. Whether it’s a hike in the woods or time spent climbing on a playground, outside play and learning often allows for more creativity. By reducing stress associate with online time, time in nature can boost inspiration for creative endeavours. Creativity is boosted thanks to reduced fatigue and boosted energy levels.
3. Nature Increases Childrens’ Self-Discipline. Many children have difficulties managing their impulse control, which can hinder their ability to learn. Taking your child on a hike, a walk, or to explore in the backyard acts as a tool to recharge their self-discipline. Impulse control and self-discipline are directly linked to academic success. Contact with the outdoors can significantly improve attention. It can also help with deficit difficulties and allow children to improve their self-discipline and stability. 
4. Nature Provides Real-Life Context. When children learn outside, they have the opportunity to take what they learned in the online or in-person classroom and apply it to real-life situations. An American Institutes For Research (AIR) study found nature helps improve academic success and students’ attitudes. The study found that children who spent time outdoors showed significant improvements in conflict resolution. Students also demonstrated gains in leadership and cooperation.
5. Time in Nature Improves Attention Skills. Attention skills are a vital part of a child’s development. Spending time outside in nature helps restore concentration. In fact, CBC News reported that time spent outdoors can improve attention span, reduce stress and help with self-discipline.

Spend Time Learning in Nature Every Day

There are both academic and social benefits to learning outside. Outdoor learning can help relieve the stress associated with quarantining and stay-at-home orders. Include outdoor play as a daily part of your child’s daily routine. Whether it’s logging into class from the backyard table, or doing homework in the park, allow students to get creative with their outdoor learning activities. You can even encourage other family members to join in!

This summer, help keep your child’s brain active with Oxford Learning Summer Programs. Our reputable tutors keep kids learning all summer long! Summer learning helps maintain that momentum into the fall. We’ll help kids apply what they learn in our programs to real-world situations. Sign up for our summer learning programs today!