Why Children Need Nature

Post written by CHC member Sydney Weydemeyer

Sydney serves at the Seven Generations Ahead as the  Fresh From the Farm Program Associate & Truck Farm Chicago Co-Director

If you think back to your day, how much of it was spent outside?  Recent research shows that when children don't spend time outdoors, their mental and physical happiness is measurably compromised (Louv 2008). Spending time outside has been found to reduce ADHD symptoms, cultivate problem solving capabilities, increase concentration and self discipline, and develop creativity in children.  (Louv 2008; Taylor 2001, 2002, 2004, 2009)

Sometimes, children can't spend time outside. In some cases, their neighborhood might be too dangerous or there may be no access to a “green” outdoor space. But research argues that even a view of a few trees and grass from an apartment has been found to increase girls' self discipline and coping abilities (more girls in this study were spending time indoors compared to boys, so there was only a measurable increase in girls; see research for more information). For more information on the research supporting children spending more time outside, check out Richard Louv's book "Last Child In the Woods,"  Dr.Andrea Faber Taylor's research at U of I Urbana-Champaign, and Chicago Wilderness.

In my position at Seven Generations Ahead, I spend much of my time teaching children outside. One day I hope that time spent outdoors will be a requirement at school, just as school lunch and physical education are required. Until then, I'm going to take every opportunity to bring my students outside.