Importance of Nature

Now that the first term has concluded, it’s a good time to reflect on the importance of getting out in nature.

In her book Building Emotional Intelligence, Linda Lantieri discusses the importance of encouraging children to honour nature by being outdoors. According to research, nature provides important moments for stillness as we connect to something larger than ourselves. At the most basic level, outdoors there is room for children to run, shout and play, releasing pent-up energy from their bodies accumulated through various stressors. Children can breathe more deeply outdoors, simply because there is more oxygen than inside. When children look at a faraway horizon or sky, it can help them gain perspective. A relationship with nature is like any good relationship, it needs to unfold over time and be respectful.