By
Chris Bernstein
It’s a fantastic, simple idea that, to my knowledge,
is underutilized. Bringing kids outdoors and exposing them to nature can teach
them to value and appreciate the environment, as well as fall in love with some
of nature’s most amazing benefits. In the article, "Kids can learn to value environment by spending time outdoors," posted
on the Midland (Texas) Reporter-Telegram website, author Marcia Norton offers
some great examples on why giving kids the opportunity to explore their outdoor
environment can lead them to live healthier lives, as well as develop an
appreciation for the land around them.
She writes that having kids spend more time outside
can decrease the possibility of developing depression and can even lift their
mood. “Nature can stimulate their curiosity and improve their
attention span and being outside strengthens learning. Exposure to outdoor,
green settings also can help reduce the symptoms of attention deficit disorders
in children,” Norton maintains. These are fantastic benefits and exposing kids to nature isn’t a
difficult task. It could be as simple as setting aside a portion of the school
day to let students help plant and maintain a school garden. Perhaps it’s developing
curriculum where kids can elect to take classes that teach them early
sustainability skills. Schools need to put a great importance on giving kids
the opportunity to spend more time outdoors.
I believe that this is an idea that all schools, of
all grade levels (including college) need to adopt. Bringing kids and students
of all ages outdoors can have a positive impact on their health, but what’s
also important about doing this is the way kids will begin to feel towards the
environment. Exposing kids to the wonders of nature at an early age can
motivate them to take action in the future that will help to save our environment.
As the well-being of our environment becomes more and more critical, the need
to educate younger generations on the importance of taking care of our
environment is more than necessary. Now is the time to teach them what is
happening to the environment and what could happen if no one takes cares of it.
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