What is an example of a natural material that could be used in play experiences?
Natural learning resources can be used to explore colour, pattern, texture and sensory play. Find N Read More
Why is it important to teach children about the natural environment?
Mertie Zboncak
2025-07-05 14:18:57
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: 21
An essential part of their development is understanding the world and nature around them. Understanding the world and nature around them allows children to establish a meaningful connection with their environment. By observing the natural world, children gain a sense of appreciation for their surroundings. This connection lays the foundation for a lifetime of caring for and preserving the environment. Understanding the world and nature enables children to develop empathy and respect for all living beings. This instils a sense of responsibility and compassion for the environment and its inhabitants. As we educate children about the planet and the environment, we cultivate in them a sense of environmental responsibility that will have a positive impact on both their lives and the planet’s well-being for generations to come.
Tommie Turcotte
2025-06-26 23:01:38
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: 13
Children are naturally curious about the world around them, and there is no better way to nurture this curiosity than by teaching them about the natural world – a wonderful place filled with fresh air, towering trees, bustling wildlife, and so much more. By introducing children to the wonders of nature, we can help them develop a lifelong love of learning. What’s more, by giving children the opportunity to connect with nature, we can show them how incredible our planet is and how vital it is to protect it. In addition, studies have shown that spending time in nature can have a calming effect on children, reducing stress and improving focus. So whether you take your child on hikes through the woods or simply encourage them to spend time playing in the garden, you're helping to create a generation of stewards for our planet. Nature has a way of calming us and making us feel connected to something larger than ourselves. By teaching them about the natural world, we can help them develop a strong sense of self and an appreciation for the planet we call home. When children have the opportunity to explore the natural world around them, they develop a love of learning that will stay with them for a lifetime.
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What are the benefits of nature play on child development?
Kids who play outside are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than kids who spend mor Read More
Garrett Rippin
2025-06-26 20:56:25
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: 12
For children, the effects are more profound, with a wealth of evidence showing those who spend time outside connecting with nature see improvements in school attendance, behaviours, academic achievement, and social skills like teamwork. One mechanism for achieving healthy, happy societies is by improving the connection people have with nature, which provides better mental and physical health. We’ve known for over a decade how important it is that children learn about - and in - nature, for their health, happiness and their success at school. Anything can be taught outside, which can aid in achieving a school’s own priorities and objectives. Building time spent in nature into the school day is supported by two aligned DFE initiatives. The National Education Nature Park aims to drive and increase engagement with nature for all children and young people. It will encourage the whole of the education estate to work with them to improve the biodiversity of their grounds. A ‘whole school’ approach is best to support pupils’ mental health and their learning ability. The best outcomes are seen when schools work with a range of high-quality local delivery partners to access the resources they need to meet school priorities.
Abdiel Walsh
2025-06-26 18:45:00
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: 22
Every child needs to learn about the environment at school as it helps them to develop a better understanding and appreciation of their surroundings. Environmental education encourages children to make more sustainable decisions, such as conserving energy and water, minimising waste, and reducing pollution, helping them become stewards of the planet. Much like Science, both environmental education and learning outdoors are critical subjects to early learning. They encourage children to develop independent thought and practical problem-solving, conduct investigations, record their results, and discuss their findings. It is a great way to directly engage our pupils and help them to understand the natural world around us, asking questions like ‘Why?’, ‘How?’, ‘When?’, ‘What If?’ and ‘Can I?’. A child’s Environmental education provides them with the knowledge and skills to understand the natural world and develop a deeper appreciation of their surroundings. It helps them to make more sustainable decisions, such as conserving energy and water and reducing pollution. Learning about environmental topics is essential for helping them understand how their actions can positively or negatively impact nature. Children are taught the complex inter-relationships between physical conditions, natural processes, human activities, and the Earth’s resources, which is essential in their environmental education.
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What are the natural elements in a playground?
A natural playground is a play environment that consists of elements and textures from the earth suc Read More
How can a child be encouraged to respect the natural element?
Providing children opportunities to care for nature, such as watering plants, feeding animals, picki Read More
Erik Gaylord
2025-06-26 17:54:14
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: 29
Kids should play outside because it builds confidence. The way that kids play in nature has a lot less structure than most types of indoor play. It promotes creativity and imagination. This unstructured style of play also allows kids to interact meaningfully with their surroundings. They can think more freely, design their own activities, and approach the world in inventive ways. It teaches responsibility. Learning about nature can be useful by teaching kids responsibility, as living things die if not properly taken care of. It provides different stimulation. Nature may seem less stimulating than a video game, but in reality, it activates more senses — you can see, hear, smell, and touch outdoor environments. It gets kids moving. Most ways of interacting with nature involve more exercise than sitting on the couch. It makes them think. Nature creates a unique sense of wonder for kids that no other environment can provide. It reduces stress and fatigue.
Dean Hintz
2025-06-26 17:31:13
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: 18
It is our role as educators to support children to understand environmental issues and their relationship with our environment. We must consider how we can meet children’s needs today without compromising the needs of future generations. From the environmental habits they learn, the environmentally conscious consumer choices they see and the time they spend learning to love and appreciate the outdoors. By supporting their learning and development, we have a better chance of changing the mind-set of a generation and generations to come. We need to grow a sense of responsibility to help our world remain sustainable. Education is key in order to support children to understand environmental issues, but everyone should be kept informed, including practitioners and families within your setting. It is also important to keep in mind that education is an ongoing process and it is necessary to regularly re-visit the subject. Carbon emissions have a devastating effect on our planet. As children grow up, they begin to recognise environmental issues and the role of humans in addressing these concerns.
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How can you incorporate natural materials into creative experiences give one example?
Add a variety of different natural materials, such as petals, leaves, sticks and pebbles. You could Read More
What is nature based play?
Children immersing themselves in nature, being outdoors, feeling and touching the earth and all of t Read More