Benefits of Engaging with Nature
“Look deep into nature, and you will understand
everything better.”
Studies have shown that playing not just in nature, but with nature, has various physical, psychological and intellectual benefits. When children play in nature they become healthier as they are running around and getting an abundance of fresh air. Children’s brain activity is boosted when they play imaginatively with nature. Nature gives children the inspiration to use originality and inventiveness; a stick becomes a wand and a stone becomes a dove’s egg. Children are motivated to play with one another while discovering nature’s treasures and subsequently social bonds are strengthened. Children develop a love, appreciation and a passion for nature and grow into individuals who care for our precious earth.
Considering how important it is for children to establish a relationship with nature, here are some ways in which you can encourage your child to develop skills such as creativity and resourcefulness. Simple items from nature such as sticks, rocks, flowers, soil and water offer numerous options for play.
1. Collect rocks/ stones and paint them.
2. Collect petals/leaves and create a picture.
3. Plant seeds in pots and grow flowers/ fruit/ vegetables.
4. Make your own rock pool at home using a bowl, water, sand, rocks, shells.
5. Make your own lavender and lemon play dough (recipes can be found online).
6. Create paintbrushes using sticks and leaves.
7. A scavenger hunt inside/ outside (collect shells, rocks, leaves, petals).
8. Search for items in nature of certain colours (matching).
There are many more ways that you can engage with nature, these are just a few suggestions. Enjoy!
By Gemma Shields - English Enrichment Teacher
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gemma trained as a teacher and taught in the U.K for over three years. She then moved to Shanghai and taught 3-18 year olds. Gemma has experience in teaching English to learners from different backgrounds and of all ages. She has specialised in teaching EAL students in England and abroad.