Benefits From Outdoors Learning

Research on Nature Kindergartens

A growing amount of research and study of nature kindergartens has become available over the last 30 years. It is well documented that children’s development can be enhanced greatly in nature kindergartens in a number of areas. The following are some of the top benefits that outdoor learning provides.

Health

Studies have shown that children in nature/forest kindergartens have 25% fewer sick days.

Independence

Outside the children have open space to develop games and solve problems independently.

Leadership

During free play the children develop their abilities to work together, lead and follow.

Imagination

Children in forest kindergartens are masters of ingenuity. They show significantly higher levels of imagination than their indoor peers.

Self Confidence and Resiliency

Taking and negotiating risk is an essential part or developing self confidence and resilience. In the outdoor environment children have the opportunity to interact with varying levels of risk in the natural world, such as weather and topography.

Motor Skills, Muscles

Children’s gross and fine motor skills improve when they move on uneven surfaces. In nature children strengthen their muscles, agility and balance.

Spatial Sense and Awareness

The children develop their intuitive feel for shape and space while playing in nature. Nothing in nature ever moves the same way and awareness of the surroundings becomes necessary.

Ability To Concentrate

The outdoor environment has a huge impact on children’s concentration and cognitive ability.

The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful.  e.e. cummings