The Need For Nature this Summer
Want Better Grades Next Fall? Get Outside this Summer.
There are many factors to consider in the quest for better grades. There’s the academic considerations: increased study time, hiring tutors, developing better habits such as time management and organization, and fine-tuning in-class learning skills.
And there are the at-home considerations: improving sleep habits, implementing routines, and reducing screen time.
But new studies are showing that one factor that is often overlooked in the quest to improve kids’ educational experience: nature.
The so-called “Nature-Deficit Disorder” is not necessarily a new term, but researchers and educators are recognizing and embracing the call of the wild and making it an essential part of the curriculum.
Getting outdoors in the summer is win-win-win.
WIN 1: Outdoor activity increases health benefits and combats the worrisome rise of childhood obesity rates in North America.
WIN 2: It increases blood flow to the brain, nourishing brain cells and strengthening neural connections. It improves mood and combats depression, which improves focus.
WIN 3: It gets kids outside, and away from the screens.
Start Young.
Canadian Statistics show that a 4 year-old’s physical activity can predict activity level at age 17.
A new British survey has even put together a “Bucket List” of Outdoor Activities For Kids to do before they are 11 and three-quarters. (But no explanation of why 11 and three-quarters is the magic age. If you know why, let us know! )
Here are just a few of the ideas from the Free-and-Easy-and-Fun activities that you can easily incorporate into your family’s summer To-Do List:
- Fly a kite
- Learn how to skip a stone
- Make a Mud pie
- Dam a stream
- Bury someone in the sand
- Climb a tree
- Plant something.
- Discover what’s in a pond
- Find your way with a compass
So get the kids outside this summer! Lather on the sunscreen and don’t be afraid of scraped knees. Summer outdoor activity is critical to both childhood and to grades.
Don’t leave yet! Read more:
The Brain Never Goes on Vacation
Forget the sunscreen (its full of chemicals anyway) and head to jordan. Behind the sleepy town is a perfect hike for kids. An easy trail to follow on any day, just stay on the path to avoid poison ivy…better yet, google poison ivy first so the kids know what to look for, they will be sure to find it. The tree lined path offers plemty of shade and water with loads of frogs. The chipmucks scurry quickly on the path, but make the trip worth while when you spot one. My 7 year old loves the wilderness and was overjoyed to find the water dried up and a rocky river bottom filled with spiders and bugs. We even dragged a few rocks home for painting at a later date. The best thing about it…the kids had a great outdoor experience there in the spring during the Salmon run. Just talking about how nature changes daily gets my kids interested in learning more…we look forward to winter with hot chocholate and going off the path because poison ivy won’t find us then!!