Deep Roots: The Research

Children are born ready to learn, and their learning opportunities are affected by the quality of their experiences and environments (National Association for the Education of Young Children [NAEYC], 2022). ​Research demonstrates that exposure and access to natural environments help children develop physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively (Chawal, 2015; Craig et al., 2024; Kiviranta et al., 2024).
Three toddlers outside exploring cherry tomatoes.
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Benefits of Learning Rooted in Nature:

  • Outdoor and nature-based learning fosters opportunities for children to gain confidence, resiliency, problem-solving skills, a sense of community and belonging, and access to experiences that engage their minds, bodies, and spirits (Fox et al., 2020).
  • Children discover a deeper understanding of how the world and relationships work, and what it means to be part of the world.
  • Children learn to respect themselves and all living and non-living beings, and recognize the importance of their connection.
  • Awareness of nature's power and how change affects the environment grows as children develop a deeper understanding of the natural world.
  • Providing a connection to places that help children feel grounded, enhances their coping skills, and promotes positive mental health (Hanscom, 2016).
  • Opportunity for increased physical activity, from playing outside, promotes healthy bodies and builds stamina and strength (Hanscom 2016).
An infographic highlighting the benefits of nature for children showing a variety graphics featuring children engaging in nature exploration including bird watching, fort buidling, and playing in water.
Image created with AI-assisted technologies from canva.com

Resources