We toyed with the idea of Nature School for my daughter’s Prekindergarten year–toured the facility twice. My daughter LOVED it.
In the end, we opted to keep her in the traditional prekindergarten class at the campus where she thrived during preschool.
However, after the second elementary school shooting in the US we knew we had to explore options. Our school was great with improving security, but we opted for Nature School for kindergarten because it made us feel the most comfortable–and our daughter BEGGED us after the third tour.
In addition to safety, we researched the benefits of nature schools for little kids. Knowing that it is a common practice in other countries made us curious to see the research.
Here’s what we learned: In an era dominated by technology and urbanization, the importance of connecting children with nature cannot be overstated.
Nature schools, focusing on outdoor education, have gained popularity in recent years due to their numerous benefits for young learners.
Benefits of Nature School for Little Kid
Cognitive Development
Nature schools provide an ideal environment for fostering cognitive development in young children. Nature acts as a compelling stimulus, engaging children in a multitude of sensory experiences.
By exploring and interacting with the natural world, children develop skills such as observation, exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. For instance, identifying different plants and animals, learning about their characteristics, and understanding their natural habitats enhances a child’s ability to classify, sequence, and categorize information.
This direct experiential learning not only benefits their cognitive abilities but also promotes a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them.
Emotional Development
We are halfway through the year of Nature Kindergarten with our daughter. On the indoor campus of our school there have been so many personality conflicts with the girls in kindergarten this year. While not all the girls are best friends at Nature K, there haven’t been huge personality conflicts. I think part of the reason is they have space and creativity all day to play new and different games.
Christian and Annie Harris, First year Nature School Parents
Nature schools offer a rich source of emotional experiences that positively impact children’s overall emotional well-being. Spending time amidst natural surroundings has been linked to reduced levels of stress and anxiety, helping children develop emotional resilience.
The peacefulness and tranquility of nature provide a calming effect on little minds, allowing them to regulate their emotions effectively. Additionally, exposure to natural beauty inspires feelings of awe, gratitude, and compassion, enabling children to appreciate and connect with the larger world beyond themselves.
Such emotional experiences form the foundation for empathy, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence, crucial skills for future social and personal relationships.
Physical Development
Nature schools provide ample opportunities for physical development, promoting healthy growth and an active lifestyle. Being outdoors encourages physical movement, allowing children to develop gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and physical endurance.
Whether it’s climbing trees, jumping over obstacles, or running through fields, playing in natural spaces stimulates the development of strength, agility, and overall physical fitness.
Our daughter, a first born, was always cautious about big jumps prior to nature school. Now, she comes up with ideas for what to climb at the playground, is more adventurous in her gymnastics class and calls herself brave. That may be our favorite development so far!
Christian & Annie Harris, First year nature school parents
Reduced Colds & Flus!
Furthermore, exposure to natural elements like sunshine, fresh air, and natural textures contributes to better overall health, boosting the immune system and preventing illnesses in the long run.
Our daughter has been sick much less frequently this year than the previous two years when she was in an indoor classroom environment. It even compares favorably to the year everyone was masked and social-distanced in her school.
Christian & Annie Harris, First year nature school parents
Social Development
Nature schools offer a unique setting for fostering social development in young children. The outdoor environment enables children to engage in cooperative and collaborative play.
Nature provides a diverse range of materials for imaginative play, allowing children to create their own games, scenarios, and stories, promoting teamwork and communication skills.
Moreover, nature-based activities offer ample opportunities for social interaction and friendships, as children learn to cooperate, share, negotiate, and resolve conflicts organically. The absence of electronic devices in nature schools encourages face-to-face interactions, enhancing social connections and the development of essential social-emotional skills.
Nature schools have proven to be an invaluable resource for little kids’ holistic development. By offering direct experiences with nature, these schools promote cognitive growth, emotional well-being, physical fitness, and social development.
As educators and parents, we must recognize and harness the benefits that nature schools provide, allowing children to forge a strong bond with nature and develop skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
After all, nurturing a child’s connection with nature ultimately nurtures their connection with the world.
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