For this week's assignment, I have chosen to share studies from the Children & Nature Network (C&NN) and available at www.childrenandnature.org. I am huge advocate of children having the ability to explore and learn about nature first hand. I think often with many of our busy schedules, just finding the time to play outside with our children can be a bit of a challenge and the unfortunate consequence of this is that our children sometimes miss out on self directed learning and exploration. Don't get me wrong, the time spent learning in the classroom is a must but simple things like studying the shapes of clouds, or watching flowers bloom and lets not forget what of the most important benefits of fresh air is it's great for our health!
The first study I found interesting is about called "School gardens positively impact children's learning and behavior,"a study by D. Blair from Penn University. (childrenandnature.org, 2010) Gardening takes place in schools throughout the nation and D. Blair did her research on evaluating the relationship between school gardening and it's relationship to children's learning and behavior. The study targets on on the many reasons school gardens exist which includes providing children experiences with natural ecosystems, enhancing children's understanding of food systems, helping children develop environmental attitudes and behavior , and serving as a basis for experimental learning. (childrenandnature.org,2010) Out of 12 qualitative studies reviewed it was found that 9 of the 12 studies found significant positive impacts from gardening in test measures,which included children's science achievement and food consumption behavior. And of 7 of the qualitative studies reviewed it was determined that students enjoyed and were highly motivated by gardening, students demonstrated improved attitudes and pride as a result of the gardening,enhanced bonding between the students along better teamwork skills and more learning opportunities. (childrenandnature.org, 2010) Based on the results, the research indicates that gardening had an overwhelming positive impact on student's achievement and behavior.
The next study I found interesting is "Nature-smart kids get higher test scores,"by the American Institutes for research. (childrenandnature.org, 2010) The study observed at-risk youth, 56% of whom reported never having time spent in a natural setting and then comparing them to students who had experienced an outdoor education program. The results were staggering, major findings illustrated a 27% increase in measured mastery of science concepts, enhanced cooperation and conflict resolution skills, gains in self esteem, gains in positive environmental behavior, as well as problem-solving motivation to learn, and classroom behavior. (childrenandnature.org, 2010).
And a third study titled " Green School Gyms improve children's health,"by the BTCV,which is a charitable organization in the United Kingdom that created Green Gyms to improve people's health and the environment. (childrenandnature.org, 2010). As part of the project, individuals participate in a large range of outdoor conservation and gardening projects and as part of the School Green Gyms an average of 1 to 1.5 hours sessions are provided for 10 weeks for 10 children at each school. As part of the evaluation process,questionnaires were filled out before and after participation in the program. In analyzing the results, researchers found that the children's psychosocial health along with their overall health improved; weekend physical activity levels significantly increased after the program and children exhibited positive feelings about the program, (childrenandnature.org, 2010) The program provided valuable data information about the impact of an innovative outdoor program on children's health. (childrenandnature.org,2010)
These were only a few of the studies from the website but there was so many more interesting ones to view and can be found at:
http://www.childrenandnature.org/downloads/EducationsynthesisMarch2010Final.pdf
Additional references for the full articles:
Blair, D. (2009). The child in the garden; an evaluative review of the benefits of school gardening. Journal of Environmental Education, 40(2),15-38. http://www.heldref.org/pubs/jee/about.html (Volume 4)
American Institutes for Research (2005). Effects of Outdoor Education Programs for Children in California. http://www.sierraclub.org/youth/california/outdoorschool_finalreport.pdf(Volume1)
BTCV. (2009). Evaluation findings: health and social outcomes 2009. BTCV. http://www2btcv.org.uk/display/greengym_research (Volume 4)
Tracy, I love this post, I do gardening with children annually and have to say that children love it. Gardening is one of those things that can be individualized so easily for all developmental abilities. I have seen children with difficult behaviors find solace with gardening. Gardening provided them opportunities to channel energies, to plan out use of space, and to build relationships with teachers and caregivers in such fun ways and it was an activity that was ongoing and required their follow up, giving them a sense of purpose and responsibility building their self concept and self esteem. Like you, I too support children exploring and learning from nature and their natural curiosity, not only does it not cost us anything, it comes easily, and I love that! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteTracy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that nature is a great way to learn the basic reading, writing, and mathematics. As a child who was in 4-H for 18 years of my life. I am complete advocate for children being able to learn skills about mathematics through the study of Forestry, Land Judging, and Wildlife Judging. Reasoning and writing skills can be found through Public speaking by giving visual presentations.