By Laura Newman, Guest Columnist
One of the most important things we can do for environmental sustainability is make sure the next generation has a connection to nature. While we know children are spending more and more time indoors and connected to technology, the research on how this impacts them is only beginning to be recognized.
The amount of time children are allowed for play, let alone unstructured free play outside, has decreased by roughly 30% over the past 30 years. And outdoor free play often happens in spaces devoid of natural features. Decreased time outdoors is considered a contributing factor to obesity, depression, ADD, shortened attention span, weaker problem-solving skills, and more.
When children play in less formal and more “messy” natural outdoor spaces, they play more creatively, resolve problems more democratically, and develop a sense of independence and self-reliance more readily. When children play in “wilder”, more natural outdoor spaces they are more likely to develop an affinity for nature and a sense of wonder. This most of all is what will make children care for the environment as they grow.
Many schools are acting upon this new research. Greener school grounds can provide outdoor classrooms and natural features for play and a resource for formal learning. Education connected to outdoor/hands-on experience is proven to be more effective. School gardens provide a means for students to better understand their food sources and nutrition while they get their hands dirty and enjoy the results of their work.
What can parents do outside of school to reverse the trend? Provide unstructured play time outside as often as possible and let messy playing happen.
- Ask your child to help you plant a garden, tree, flowers, or get involved in your child’s school garden or playscape plantings.
- Reflect on your fondest outdoor play memories, and consider what made them so special.
Laura Newman is the Coordinator of the School Ground Greening Coalition, which she established at Portland Trails in 2003. She lives with her family in Portland.
