It is a condition of our day. Children are cut off from the simple pleasures of experiencing outdoors in a day crowded with TV, computers, and other devices. Children have little time to play outside due to academics, classes, and extracurricular activities as it is. Even if they do, there aren't many open spaces for them to enjoy. Even parks and playgrounds are frequently overly well-kept and do not encourage inquisitive, unrestricted exploration. Thus, children nowadays are deprived of a fundamental aspect of childhood: the opportunity to interact directly with nature.
Why Do Children Need to Get Outside?
- Children who spend time outside develop a feeling of wonder that they can apply to other facets of their lives.
- Children learn more awareness when they are exposed to nature. Children can use all of their senses of perception when they are in nature.
- Children today are denied the chance to explore and learn on their own due to the overly structured nature of modern living. The ability of nature to pique their attention in this situation is even more crucial.
- Education experts claim that giving kids the chance to explore nature increases their ability to focus and study.
- Studies have shown that exposing children to green outdoor environments helps to lessen the symptoms of attention deficit disorders.
- Playing outside gives kids the chance to get some exercise and fresh air. Both are crucial for assisting kids in maintaining their physical and emotional health.
- Children's development includes time spent outside and in nature.
- Unfortunately, ecological destruction is a current fact. To ensure that the next generation grows up to value nature, it is crucial to foster a connection between kids and the natural world.
What Might You Do?
To encourage children to enjoy nature, parents, guardians, and educators can take a variety.
Begin young
It is quite simple to instil in your children a love of nature if you yourself have one. Introduce children to the natural world as early as possible. Get them outside to play in the garden. Allow them to pick up and study rocks, leaves, flowers, etc. Show them the trees, insects, birds, and other animals and give them names.
Put them to work in the garden
Get kids involved in gardening as a terrific method to help them develop a connection to nature. As a result, they will come into contact with the dirt and come across many insects, worms, and other fascinating things. Taking care of plants and watching them grow and mature gives people a wonderful chance to experience the process of creation firsthand. You could also assist them in setting up a garden feeder for birds or butterflies.
Take them to National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Make frequent visits to national parks and wildlife refuges a part of their formative years. Plan frequent picnics and excursions to local parks and natural areas. Show them the pleasures of trekking. Vacation time can be spent travelling to locations where kids can see wild animals in their natural habitat, such as Kanha, Ranthambhore, or Corbett.
Pique their interest
Encourage your kids to take in their surroundings. Give them books or CDs about wildlife and the natural world. Bring them with you to libraries or museums. Better yet, get them memberships to environmental organisations like the World Wildlife Fund or the Bombay Natural History Society, and encourage them to take part in the excursions and other events the organisations host.
Give them a pastime
Give them a pair of binoculars, a basic telescope, or magnifying glasses to let them enjoy nature more. Encourage your kids to make notes about the things they observe. Instruct them in taking notes. Encourage them to draw what they notice. If older kids exhibit an interest in photography, give them a basic camera. Identifying the plants and animals your children see on outings will help them learn more and turn a fun activity into a lifelong passion. Buy your kids field guides to the common animals, birds, insects, or trees in your area.
Show Them How to Conserve
Teach youngsters to value nature as they get older. Encourage them to start practising conservation. And most importantly, put them into practice. Explain to them how even seemingly insignificant actions, such as conserving water and turning off lights when not in use, may help preserve the environment.
Teaching your kids to value nature will not only help them grow into responsible adults, but it will also help them take better care of our planet, the Earth.
Animal themed games and books
You can focus more on bringing more animal themed board games , Animal theme flashcards and Animal lovers books. This way they will understand further the importance of nature.
