Benefits of Nature-Based Outdoor Education
Research consistently shows that time outdoors supports healthy childhood development socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.
Improves focus and attention
Daily exposure to natural environments supports concentration, cognitive development, and attention regulation. (Wells, 2000)
Supports emotional regulation
Access to green spaces helps children feel calmer, more grounded, and more emotionally resilient. (Wells & Evans, 2003)
Supports social relationships
Free and unstructured outdoor play supports cooperation, empathy, communication, and conflict resolution. (Burdette & Whitaker, 2005)
Supports creativity and problem solving
Outdoor play encourages imagination, collaboration, critical thinking, and flexible problem-solving skills. (Bell & Dyment, 2006; Kellert, 2005)
Increases physical activity and confidence
Children in outdoor learning environments tend to move more, take healthy risks, and build confidence in their bodies and abilities. (Bell & Dyment, 2006)
Supports attention and reduces ADD symptoms
Contact with the natural world has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder in children. (Kuo & Taylor, 2004)
Improves academic performance
Nature-based experiential education has been linked to gains in science, language arts, math, and social studies. (American Institutes for Research, 2005)
Encourages lifelong healthy habits
Children who spend meaningful time outdoors are more likely to develop healthy movement, eating, and environmental stewardship habits that continue into adulthood. (Bell & Dyment, 2008; Morris & Zidenberg-Cherr, 2002)
Improves eyesight
More time outdoors is associated with reduced rates of childhood myopia (nearsightedness). (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2011)
Information available from Natural Start Alliance / naturalstart.org