homeschooling moon children

Inspired by our recent visit to Mt. Baldy Museum, It really got me thinking about the importance of kids in nature. Why is it important, what benefits, and why is this a must in our family?  So I decided to elaborate more on this and I invite you to follow Mt. Baldy Museum on Instagram. And come up for the next kid’s event! It’s a really great program that I cant share enough.

In today’s fast-paced technological world, children are spending more time indoors on screens, and missing out on the wonders of nature. However, immersing children in nature is not merely about enjoying the outdoors; it holds numerous benefits that enrich their physical, mental, and emotional development. I strive for fostering a deeper connection to the environment to provide valuable educational experiences (like our local mountain visits), the impact of nature on children’s lives is both profound and eye-opening. We strive for a lot of outdoor exposure in nature to really educate our children and benefit them as humans.

There are many benefits to kids being in nature. Encouraging children to play outdoors promotes physical activity. Running, climbing, and exploring nature aids in developing motor skills. Enhances coordination when walking and running along trails. This promotes overall fitness and with fresh air and sunlight, this helps contribute to stronger immune systems.

The Mental well-being is another development that comes to mind. Nature has this calming effect on the mind and reduces stress in all. It’s been proven so why not expose your kids to green spaces and natural surroundings like water and trees. Nature helps in the aid of improving attention spans in listening to the sounds around you. To determine where it is safe, where wildlife may be and for others around you.

Outdoor play not only encourages social interactions, teamwork, and communication, but social skills. When kids get together on the trail they work together to determine direction, fort building, and cooperation together. You will often see kids arise in conflict but if you are able to withhold and watch you will watch them come up with a resolution and plan to execute their goals.

There is this quote that says “Let Nature Be Your Teacher” I have the banner in my girl’s room. This quote alone is so powerful. Nature is this canvas that sparks creativity and stimulates imagination of the child. If the child is willing and engaged in unstructured play in these natural settings they will create. Nature will teach them to create games, to imagine a world they are part of. It will help with problem solving and innovative thinking when outside with basics.

It wasn’t till I had my own kids that this eye-opening experience of watching them open a world of wonder and discovery when outside. We got out more during Covid as everything around us was closed but we had these secluded sanctuaries to retreat to and allow the girls to let their minds discover. Children are naturally curious and being in nature provides them with endless opportunities to explore and learn. When discovering and identifying the flora and watching the wildlife. Or watching the seasons change and learning when to see the change coming. Its a beautiful experience, and I encourage all to get out. Each encounter creates these lasting core memories and instills a “sense of awe” and genuine respect for the natural world.

In nature, children are encouraged to use their senses actively. They touch the rough bark of trees, hear the soothing sound of flowing water, smell the fragrance of flowers, and feel the gentle breeze on their skin. These sensory experiences deepen their connection to the environment and cultivate a sense of stewardship towards the planet.

The Education behind nature is so immense. From environmental awareness on educating children on understanding of native plants. Understanding the ecosystems and the impact of human interaction and leaving no trace behind. We can empower our children to become responsible stewards of the Earth. The hands-on learning kids get from water cycle, plant life, wildlife and get a full understanding from this amazing classroom all around them. We can teach our kids to make good choices and influence them to partake in environmental cleanup. (With Adult Supervision of course) You can teach them the importance of recycling, reducing waste in nature that has an impact on their favorite locations. These behavior influences will lead to a more environmentally conscious little explorer. When spending time in nature you can teach the children about the elemental beings and they will realize the value of every living being. How the water nixies help carry water to the roots. The gnomes help the roots of the plants to create strong green trees. When we teach children about the elemental beings they learn to treat all life with compassion.

I hope that I inspire you to teach the importance of nature to your children. That nature cant be seen as just the outdoors but a natural playground for all. Its the most invaluable classroom for all ages and a place for all to enjoy and learn. When we have respect for the natural world we foster creativity and create awareness to take care of our planet.  As parents I hope you prioritize your local mountains, forests, deserts, oceans, plains, or wherever you may live and empower your children to embrace the world and take care of it as it is only borrowed from the future.

xx,
rosemary