Family Matters Newsletter - August 2009

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Benefits of Children Playing in Nature

By: Ann Zander, Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent, Boulder County

Many of us remember hearing the words…… “Go outside and play!”…. during our childhood. We may also remember climbing trees, exploring the neighborhood, or just watching the clouds.

Research shows that children are spending half as much time outside as they did 20 years ago. Today’s kids spend 6 ½ hours a day plugged into electronic media. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, calls this “nature deficit.” This could have serious impacts on their physical and mental health, by increasing the risks of obesity and attention deficit disorder.

Louv believes there are many things that contribute to children having a “nature deficit”.

  • There are adults that do not promote outside activities because they worry about bug bites, bee stings, and poison ivy, etc.
  • Many children simply do not have an “outside” to play in, because of the lack of playgrounds, parks and open space.
  • Others cannot get to a safe outside area because of busy roads and intersections.
  • Some kids are so overscheduled that they just do not have time to “play outside” unless it is through a sport.

Research shows that:

  • Children who interact with nature are more active and more physically fit than those who don’t.
  • Time spent in nature improves a child’s academic performance, concentration, balance, coordination and self-esteem.
  • Time spent outside even reduces the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Outdoor play has been identified as the most important factor in developing an environmental ethic.

What You Can Do?

  • Give kids a “Green Hour” every day. This is a dedicated time for play and interaction with nature. This can take place in a garden, a backyard, the park down the street, or any place that provides safe and accessible green spaces where children can learn and play.
  • Play with a child outdoors. Research shows that spending time outdoors with children can help shape their long-term environmental ethic. Free play in nature also increases physical fitness. Go fishing. Take a hike. Or just go for a walk and look at the clouds.
  • Observe where and what children are interested in and support those interests by asking open-ended questions. What did you discover? How does it feel? What does it look like? How does it move?
  • Natural materials such as pinecones, grass, rocks, leaves, rain, spider webs, sticks, dirt, pebbles, and sand provide endless possibilities for play and imagination. These materials don’t come with directions; instead the child comes up with ideas of how to use them.
  • Adults can help kids explore nature by adding tools such as shovels, magnifying glasses, pencils and paper, cameras, etc.
  • Nature can also be brought into your home. Tree branches can be hung from the ceiling and used to display your child’s artwork in their bedroom. Loose materials such as pinecones, stones, and leaves could be displayed in baskets on the coffee table. Nature’s works of art, such as feathers, or a bug’s shell can be used to make a collage or the beginning of a collection.

For a list of creative ideas and activities to get your kids outside contact Ann Zander at azander@bouldercounty.org, 303-678-6238. Or visit the National WildlifeFederation (NWF) website

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Take–out snacks that are fun!

Think how enjoyable and simple outside snacks can be: Healthy food, fresh air, and lots of fun! Pack snacks in take-out boxes or reusable bags (ask local restaurant if they will donate take out boxes, or bring everything in a group picnic basket.)

Rice Cakes
Ingredients per child:

  • 4 small rice cakes stuck together with filling of choice such as peanut butter or cream cheese
  • 4-6 orange or apple slices
  • Small cup
  • Napkin

French Sandwich
Ingredients per child:

  • 2-4 small slices of semi-hard cheese or salami
  • 2 small pieces of French bread (preferably whole wheat)
  • A small handful of fresh berries or other fresh fruit
  • Small Cup
  • Napkin

Extras:

  • Consider adding a fortune cookie or ginger snap wrapped in a little note or fortune. Have the children make the “fortunes” ahead of time.
  • Children can help assemble their boxes of snack items and possibly help in preparations.
  • Pour cold water from a teapot or thermos into small cups.

Adapted from Better Kid Care Program, Penn State

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